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16 Pages Price 10,000 Rials 39th year No.13200 Thursday SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 Shahrivar 15, 1397 Dhul Hijjah 25, 1439 Zarif on Trump plan No red lines in Reading coach Clement MoMA to hold to chair UN council dealing with economy looks forward to work cinematographer meeting: #chutzpah 2 disruptors 2 with Ezatolahi 15 Kalari retrospective 16

Iran needs more help to support Terrorists transferring Afghan refugees – UNHCR chief Iran continues to set a global example sioner recognized Iran’s generous pol- through its progressive and inclu- icies, which are oriented towards the sive refugee policies, but the country inclusion of refugees in national services needs more support hosting one of and the economy, including through ac- chemical weapons to Idlib the largest refugee populations in the cess to the national health insurance world, said UN High Commissioner scheme, permission to work in a range for Refugees Filippo Grandi during of occupations and documentation. In See page 2 a three-day visit. a ground-breaking move, since 2015, all Iran is home to almost one million Afghan children, regardless of status, registered refugees, the vast majority have also had access to primary and from Afghanistan. The High Commis- secondary education. 13

China sticking to nuclear pact and implementing it: envoy POLITICS TEHRAN — The with imposing unilateral sanctions on a deskChinese ambassador country that would be enforced by the to Tehran on Wednesday said that his so-called “long-arm jurisdiction”, which country adheres to the 2015 Iran nuclear implies on the ability of local courts to ex- deal and continues to implement it. ercise jurisdiction over foreign defendants. The U.S. withdrawal from the deal has He made the remarks in an address posed challenges to Tehran-Beijing ties but to the second conference of Iran–China China will remain loyal to the international cooperation within the framework of deal, said Pang Sen, entekhab.ir reported. the Silk Road Economic Belt held in Ambassador Pang said China disagrees Tehran. 2

Russia: Airstrikes hit terrorists not populated areas in Idlib By staff & agencies the territory. The Russian Defense Ministry says The ministry, in a statement re- its fighter jets have bombed the leased on Wednesday, announced that positions of foreign-sponsored the aerial attack had only pounded Takfiri terrorists in Syria’s mili- members of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sh- tant-held northwestern province of am (al-Nusra Front/Jabhat al-Nusra) Idlib, as Syrian government troops Takfiri terrorist group, dismissing al- and allied fighters are preparing legations that it had struck populated File photo for a ground operation to liberate areas. 13 ARTICLE ‘Iran is critical to India’s energy strategy and broader ARTICLE Ebrahim Fallahi Syed Zafar Mehdi Tehran Times journalist geopolitical interests’ Journalist from New Delhi By: Syed Zafar Mehdi international strategic issues, he has held ap- Iran, including Iran’s close ally India. There has TEHRAN — The unilateral withdrawal of the pointments at Harvard University, Brookings been a lot of speculation over whether India will Petrochemical U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and renewal of Institution, Johns Hopkins University, and continue importing oil from Iran or not. Can you economic sanctions has forced many countries to Australian National University. tell us what’s happening in New Delhi? Life, death and industry, a pillar cut oil imports from Iran under the U.S. pressure. In an interview with Tehran Times, Mr. Chel- A. For India, Iran is an important partner. legacy of U.S. ally While some countries like China, Russia and laney said Iran is critical to India’s energy strategy Iran is critical to India’s energy strategy. And for Iran’s resilient Turkey have refused to buckle under the U.S. and New Delhi is looking for a waiver from the it is also critical to India’s broader geopolitical turned foe Haqqani pressure, some countries like India are yet to U.S. sanctions on Iran so as to insulate its energy interests extending from Central Asia and Af- economy take the final decision. and political cooperation with Tehran. He says ghanistan to the Middle East. India cannot turn he death of Jalaluddin Haqqani, The speculation over whether India will India has not buckled under the U.S. pressure its back on Iran. the patriarch of the dreaded mili- naugurating three major petrochemical continue to buy crude oil from Iran or cut the but is pursuing a cautious approach to uphold India’s Petroleum Minister recently said tant group Haqqani Network, has projects in Assaluyeh petrochemical imports continues. The issue is likely to figure its interests. T the Indian government will take a ‘considered generated a palpable buzz and made Izone in southwestern Iran was the prominently in the first Indo-U.S. 2+2 dialogue Following are the excerpts: and considerate’ view based on ‘national interest’ international headlines. The announce- headline of almost all Iranian energy re- in New Delhi on Thursday. Following the unilateral withdrawal of the on the issue of U.S. sanctions against Iranian oil ment was made by the Taliban spokes- lated and economic news agencies across Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist, scholar, U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, many countries and find a way to secure its energy needs. What man Zabihullah Mujahid on Tuesday, the country on Monday. author, and commentator. As a specialist on have felt the pressure to cut oil imports from do you think is in India’s national interest? 6 hailing him as a “religious scholar and These petchem projects were officially exemplary warrior”, even though Afghan inaugurated by President Hassan Rouhani officials insist that he had been dead for which signifies their importance for Iran’s Trump’s trade war with China poses greatest threat to global economic growth at least four years. economy in the new era of sanctions and What does Haqqani’s death mean to economic pressure imposed by the U.S. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — As the trade war public comment period ends on Thursday. The happens, countries in the Middle East could be desk the Taliban insurgency and the war in Since, as stated by President Rouhani between the U.S. and China two countries have already slapped tariffs on biggest beneficiaries of the growing US-China feud. Afghanistan? If he was already dead, then in the inauguration ceremony, petrochem- intensifies, the vice chairman of the world’s largest each other to the tune of $50 billion of goods. A recent World Bank study estimated that at why did the group disclose the news now? ical industry is one of the most important money manager believes U.S. President Donald Since the talks between the two sides have the current level of tariff retaliation, the U.S. and The debate is getting intense in media pillars of the country’s resilient economy Trump’s trade policies pose the greatest threat failed to produce a breakthrough, the next round China will each suffer a drop in annual exports of and intelligentsia circles. and “one of the main suppliers of foreign to global economic growth. of $200 billion U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports about $40 billion. If the war escalates to include Haqqani, 71, who founded the Haqqani currency especially euro for the country”. “I would say the policies that are embraced by could come anytime soon and would mark a ma- all trade and services between the two countries, network in 1970s, relinquished operational According to Iranian Oil Minister Bi- the U.S. administration around trade represent the jor escalation in the trade war. But it remains to Chinese exports to the U.S. would fall by $190 leadership of the group some years ago to jan Namdar Zanganeh, Iran’s export of biggest risk today to the global economy,” BlackRock’s be seen when and how Trump implements it. billion and U.S. exports to China by $166 billion. his son Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is now petrochemical products is anticipated to Philipp Hildebrand was quoted saying by CNBC. China is likely to retaliate promptly with duties Hu Xijin, chief editor of Chinese daily Beijing Times, the deputy leader of the Afghan Talib- reach $14 billion in the current Iranian His comments came as trade pundits and in- on nearly everything it imports from the U.S. It said China is an economic and a nuclear power and an. Many seasoned observers believe his calendar year (started on March 21). vestors monitor the prospect of an escalating trade has already threatened to impose tariffs on $60 it isn’t an easy task to provoke it from any direction. death, following a prolonged illness, will “The country is currently producing 62 war between the world’s two biggest economies. billion worth of U.S. goods as a tit-for-tat measure. “China is not Mexico and will not agree with a laundry not have any major impact on the group’s million tons of petrochemical products an- Trump said earlier this week that he is pre- It is also reportedly reducing its orders of U.S. list of demands from the U.S. in this trade war,” he operations since he mattered very little nually and with the new projects going on pared to impose tariffs on an additional $200 crude oil, and is likely to move towards other oil wrote on Twitter, saying China will “hit back to the towards the end of his life. stream the number will jump to 65.5 million billion worth of imports from China as soon as a markets, most notably in the Middle East. If that end” if U.S. persists with its trade war. 6 Afghan Defense Ministry spokes- tons further cementing the Islamic country’s man Mohammad Radmanish said the stance as a major petrochemical supplier announcement of his death was not ex- to the world markets” Zanganeh said at the pected to mean any major change for opening ceremony in Bushehr Province. the Haqqani Network, since his son has At the top of the world been spearheading the group’s opera- The third phase of developing Pardis tions since many years. “Operationally, Petrochemical Company was one of the Plain of his death will not have an impact on inaugurated projects which was imple- the group,” he stressed, adding that the mented at the cost of €502 million secured senior Haqqani’s role in recent years from the income of the first and second thousands was more ideological. phases of the company. Rahmatullah Nabil, the former chief This phase will make Pardis the larg- of Afghan intelligence agency, agrees with est producer of urea and ammonia in the suns that assumption. He said his death will not Middle East and world with an annual The photo depicts Kalpoush plain filled with have any effect on the “devious activities” production capacity of 5.265 million. sunflowers in Mayami, north central province of the group, adding that the ISI, Pakistan’s Iran is currently exporting urea to of Semnan, which is a tourist attraction in intelligence agency, has already “trained Turkey, India, China, Europe and many the region. his successors to be more ruthless than countries in Latin America. The country Every year with the beginning of the him”, most notably Siraj Haqqani, Ibrahim exported over 4 million tons of urea in 2017. Iranian calendar month of Shahrivar (Au- Haqqani, Khalil Haqqani, Hamza Haqqani, Increasing methanol production gust 23 to September 22) the plain will Yahya Haqqani and others, suggesting Marjan Petrochemical Complex, a pro- be ornamented with thousands of golden that the Haqqani Network was backed ducer of methanol, with the annual capac- sunflowers. by Pakistan’s intelligence agency. ity of 1.65 million tons was another project The last month of summer is the best Nabil said the news about his death which officially started operating on Monday. time to take a trip to the region to enjoy is directly linked to the U.S. Secretary of Construction of this complex was started the scenic plains covered with bright yel- State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Pakistan, some six years ago and $914 million has been ISNA/ Masoud Mohaghegh low flowers. and thus the U.S. State Department and invested for this project. 4 Pakistan were “playing as usual”. 6 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS Judiciary chief: No Zarif on Trump plan to chair red lines in dealing with economy UN council meeting: #chutzpah disruptors POLITICS TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister POLITICS TEHRAN — Judiciary Chief Ayatollah deskMohammad Javad Zarif has reacted deskSadeq Amoli Larijani said on Wednes- strongly to Washington’s announcement that President day that there are no red lines in dealing with economy Donald Trump is going to chair the upcoming UN Se- disruptors, promising that those opportunists who are curity Council and use the opportunity against Iran. misusing the current economic situation will face severe “There’s only one UNSC resolution on Iran. .@re- punishment, ISNA reported. alDonaldTrump is violating it & bullying others to do Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an Assembly of same. Now he plans to abuse presidency of SC to divert a Experts meeting in Tehran, Amoli Larijani said those who session—item devoted to Palestine for 70 yrs— to blame create chaos in the foreign currency, gold coin and automobile Iran for horrors U.S. & clients have unleashed across markets will face severe consequences. M.E. #chutzpah,” Zarif tweeted on Wednesday. The Judiciary chief further said prosecutors have called A few hours earlier, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley had for maximum punishment for economy disruptors, adding said Trump would chair a UN Security Council meeting that those harming the country’s economy should expect on Iran this month during the annual gathering of world capital punishment or other severe penalties. leaders in New York. The United States, which holds the council presidency for September, has unsuccessfully pushed the Security Foreign currency’s Council to call out Iran. Haley has regularly attacked Iran, accusing it of meddling in the wars in Syria and Yemen. secondary market Diplomats said Iran could request to speak at the not disorganized: 26 September meeting, the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Larijani is expected to address the assembly on September 25. The Iranian UN mission did not immediately respond POLITICS TEHRAN — Majlis Speaker Ali Larija- said the Iran meeting should focus on the implemen- Trump in May withdrew from the accord between desk to a request for comment. ni said on Wednesday that the foreign Haley said the United States would not object to tation of a 2015 resolution on Iran. Iran and six world powers aimed at stalling Tehran’s currency’s secondary market is not disorganized and is Rouhani speaking. Rouhani is scheduled to travel to “We very much hope that there will be views voiced nuclear capabilities in return for lifting some sanctions. under control, Tasnim reported. New York in late September. in connection with the U.S. withdrawal” from a 2015 He ordered the reimposition of U.S. sanctions suspended “High volumes of transactions take place in this market Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, international nuclear deal, Polyanskiy told the council. under the deal. but media outlets focus on external market which accounts for a low amount of transactions,” Larijani told reporters. He said parts of economic problems are due to foreign pressure, which combined with domestic issues, have led Tehran says terrorists transferring chemical weapons to Idlib to chronic problems for the economy. ‘EU has until November 4 to save Iran deal’ Larijani added that efforts are needed by the three branches of the government to improve the situation. POLITICS TEHRAN — Iran’s Deputy Foreign “On Monday Mr. Zarif went to Syria and there he re- and satisfy them to work with Iran. And what Europeans deskMinister Abbas Araqchi said on Tuesday viewed the latest Syrian developments with the president have so far failed to do is to operationalize their support that there is evidence that terrorists in Syria have been and (other) officials of Syria. They reviewed the latest for their companies; to create ways for their companies to Interior minister transferring chemical weapons to Idlib. on-ground situation. And we come with specified plans work with Iran while staying exempt from U.S. sanctions.” The remarks by Araqchi comes as the Syrian army is set and ideas that, God willing, will enable us to conclude the “If you [Europeans] think that the JCPOA is a matter visits Iraq to recapture Idlib from al-Nusra and al-Qaeda terrorists. fight on terrorism, leading to the political process, and of security to Europe, a matter of reputation, a matter of Terrorists in certain cases have used chemical weapons the reconstruction process, and finally the return of the politics, a matter of non-proliferation, if it is the things against the civilians whenever the government forces tried refugees to normal life,” Araqchi explained. you say it is, you should pay for it. It is impossible that you to capture their hideouts. “We are in close cooperation with the government ensure security and your companies are not sanctioned. In certain cases whenever the Syrian government has of Russia. Intimate talks and negotiations are going on You should come to the stage, pay the price, (and) support POLITICS TEHRAN — Interior Minister Abdolreza launched attacks to drive out terrorists from their hideouts between us and the government of Russia regarding Syria. your companies. If the U.S. sanctions them you should take deskRahmani Fazli visited Baghdad on Wednes- in cities they have used chemical weapons against the And the same exists with Turkey. And I think that we are on the penalties, and create grounds for your company, day for border talks with his Iraqi counterpart Qasim al-Araji. civilians in order to demonize the Damascus government. moving on the right path. The fact on the ground tells for your bank to come work with Iran in tranquility.” Rahmani Fazli was welcomed by al-Araji and Iranian “There are evidences that chemical weapons and sub- us that our path in Astana so far has been the right path “So far, despite the U.S. exit from the JCPOA, it is in Ambassador Iraj Masjedi at Baghdad airport, IRNA reported. stances are in the hands of terrorists. Right now intelli- and that it will cause the reinstitution of the rule of the our interest to stay in the JCPOA, else it is a piece of cake The two ministers were scheduled to sign a memorandum gence is arriving saying that chemical substances have Syrian government and army on its entirety of territory, to quit the JCPOA, to tear or set it on fire. This was an of understanding on Arbaeen rituals. been moved to Idlib by the terrorists. There is a high God willing. And we are hopeful that over the coming agreement that was made, and the losing side was the U.S.” Also on Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani possibility for the scenario to be repeated,” he said on months we will get to the point where the reconstruction However, Araqchi mentioned, Iran has given European departed for Russia to take part in a high-level inter-par- Tuesday evening in a televised interview. of Syria begins.” parties to the nuclear deal until November 4 - the start liamentary commission meeting. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited ‘If Europe minds it reputation it should pay of U.S. sanctions against its vital oil industry - to come Larijani is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Damascus ahead of the summit between Iranian, Russian its costs’ up with ways to offset the impact. Russian counterpart in a meeting attended by parlia- and Turkish presidents in Tehran on Friday. Regarding the situation over the Iran nuclear deal, he Iran has “clearly announced” to European nations that mentarians from both countries. The summit is taking place as the Syrian army along said, “What we tell Europeans is this: If your reputation is if its “main interests” in the nuclear agreement are not with a support by resistance forces are preparing to liberate important to you, if your security is important to you, you served, “staying in the deal will not benefit us anymore,” Idlib, the last stronghold of terrorists in Syria. should create some situation and support your companies he noted. Tehran, Baghdad discussing rial- Basij says has plans for industrial Plot by hegemonic system could cause long-term based visas for problems insecurity in Mideast: defense chief Iranian pilgrims POLITICS TEHRAN — Basij POLITICS TEHRAN — Irani- deskChief Gholamhossein deskan Defense Minister POLITICS TEHRAN — Tehran is in the last stage Gheybparvar said on Wednesday that Amir Hatami has said that the plot by desk of talks with Baghdad to replace dollar Basij has plans to help solve problems hegemonic system could cause long- with Iran’s national currency, rial, when issuing visas in the areas of industry and agriculture. term insecurity in the Middle East, Mehr for Iranian pilgrims who plan to visit Iraq during the Basij has announced its readiness to reported on Wednesday. Arbaeen rituals, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram solve problems, because the country’s “The hegemon’s plot in Syria could Qassemi said on Wednesday. current situation is serious, he said during cause insecurity in the region for a long “The negotiating sides of both countries are holding talks a conference at the University of Tehran. time,” Hatami said during a meeting and consultations in this regard and the negotiations are in Pointing to the current economic war with commander of Russian forces final phases,” Qassemi said, Fars reported. against the country, he said, “Certain in Syria. people say that the country’s problems tween Iran and the U.S. and nor will be Hatami visited Syria in late August. tangible progresses. can be solved politically. Such words any negotiation between the two countries. When there, he visited the northern city “The Astana talks are successful ex- Lebanon’s Civil smell negotiation! Negotiating with The Leader noted that as Imam of Aleppo. periences at the political level to settle who? The one whose hands are stained Khomeini “banned talks with the U.S. I The minister went on to say that the crisis [in Syria] and we highlight the Aviation denies with betrayal?” also ban it”. He added that negotiation Tehran attaches great value to actions importance of continuing this process,” On July 31, U.S. President Donald with the current U.S. administration is taken in fighting terrorists in Syria. the defense chief remarked. report of Iran Trump offered to meet Iran’s leaders impossible. “Even if we were to negotiate He also noted that cooperation be- The presidents of Iran, Russia and arms smuggling with “no preconditions” and “any time with the U.S., we would never hold talks tween Iran and Russia in countering Turkey will hold talks on Syria in Tehran they want”. with the current U.S. administration.” terrorism in Syria should be used as a on Friday. The summit meeting is in POLITICS TEHRAN — The Directorate General “I’d meet with anybody. I believe in Assembly of Experts Chairman Aya- model to establish peace and stability line with the continuation of the Astana deskof Lebanon’s Civil Aviation on Tuesday meetings,” Trump told reporters at the tollah Ahmad Jannati said on Tuesday in the region. talks aimed at bringing an end to the denied a report by Fox News claiming that an Iranian White House. that Trump is eager to meet Iranian Pres- So far Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria and conflict in Syria. civil aviation company had been smuggling weapons into In remarks on August 13, the Leader ident Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines the opposition have held several rounds The summit in Tehran is taking place Lebanon through Beirut airport. of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali of the UN General Assembly which will of talks on the Syria conflict in Astana, at a time that Syria is preparing to purge “The Directorate General of the Civil Aviation absolutely Khamenei said there will be no war be- be held from September 18-25. Kazakhstan. The talks have produced Idlib from terrorists. denies such claims, and asks media means for accuracy before publishing any news on the airport,” the statement read, according to the NNA. China sticking to nuclear pact and implementing it: envoy The Fox News report alleged that Tehran is “trying to 1 to deepen its relations with Iran.” with great powers in July 2015. In May, Donald Trump come up with new ways and routes to smuggle weapons The two countries have friendly relations and will “We can be sure that with [practicing] patience, we withdrew the U.S. from the agreement, officially called from Iran to its allies in the Middle East, testing and maintain their routine business cooperation and this will certainly be able to overcome the ups and downs the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and reimposed defying the West’s abilities to track them down.” should not be criticized in any way, he added. The envoy also attached great importance to the on the path of Tehran-Beijing relations.” primary sanctions on Iran and secondary sanctions on Tehran-Beijing cooperation, saying, “China is willing China is a party to the nuclear deal that Iran signed the countries that do business with Tehran. Envoy calls on regional states Russian, German diplomats discuss Nuclear deal is ‘not dead’, to resolve water nuclear deal says French FM crisis By staff and agency against Iran. The first batch of sanctions By staff and agency by negotiations next week, which Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei took effect on August 6. French Foreign Minister Jean- would be attended by representatives POLITICS TEHRAN — Iranian Ambassador in Ryabkov and Antje Leendertse, director The European Union trio – Germany, Yves Le Drian has said that the 2015 of Tehran, as well as Paris, London deskBaghdad Iraj Masjedi on Tuesday pro- of the political directorate-general of Ger- France and Britain which are signatory to nuclear deal, officially known as the and Berlin. posed formation of a four-member committee among many’s Federal Foreign Office, discussed the nuclear deal - are expected to present Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, U.S. President Donald Trump with- Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria to resolve the water crisis the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint their package of proposals to Iran before is “not dead”. drew Washington from the nuclear deal in the region, IRNA reported. Comprehensive Plan of Action. the second round of U.S. sanctions takes “This agreement is not dead,” Le on May 8 and ordered restoration of Asked about the Iraqi premier’s claims that Iran had “Both sides stressed the importance effect in early November. Drian said in an interview with French sanctions against Iran. blocked the flow of Karoun River towards Arvand River of keeping the JCPOA in place. A num- The November sanctions target Iran’s radio station RTL, Sputnik reported The first batch of sanctions was (Shatt al-Arab), Masjedi said the entire region including ber of other aspects of arms control central bank and oil exports. on Wednesday. snapped back on August 6. The Iran and Iraq have been suffering from water shortage and non-proliferation were touched The package must facilitate banking Le Drain added President Emma- second batch will be restored on due to poor rainfalls in recent years. upon,” TASS quoted the Russian For- transactions and oil trade.Leader of the nuel Macron would speak later in the November 4. The issue of water shortage is not related to Iraq alone eign Ministry as saying. Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei day to his Iranian counterpart Hassan Europe is expected to present its because Zayandeh Roud River which has been the symbol U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew said last week that Iran will abandon the Rouhani. practical package to preserve the JCPOA of beauty in the city of Isfahan has dried up. Washington from the nuclear agreement in nuclear deal if it does not safeguard the He has further said that Macron’s before the second round of U.S. sanc- May and ordered restoration of sanctions country’s interests. talks with Rouhani would be followed tions start in November. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 INTERNATIONAL Woodward book reveals Britain charges two Russians over Skripal Novichok nerve ‘crazytown’ White House agent attack

British prosecutors have charged two Russian men for a nerve ‘Trump Staff Thinks Trump is an Idiot’ agent attack on a former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the city of Salisbury earlier this year. Long-time Washington Post reporter Bob didn’t do anything wrong in the first place. A European arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday for the Woodward’s book on Donald Trump’s first Why look weak?” Russian nationals, identified as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan 18 months in office includes some incendiary – Mr Trump to former director of the Boshirov, the prosecutors said, charging the two of conspiracy to comments attributed to the president and National Economic Council Gary Cohn when murder, attempted murder and use of the nerve agent Novichok. key former and current White House staffers. he tried to resign after Charlottesville: “This “We will not be applying to Russia for the extradition of these Trump and other officials have denied is treason.” men as the Russian constitution does not permit extradition of some accounts. – Defence secretary Jim Mattis on Irani- its own nationals,” Sue Hemming, director of legal services at Here are some of the most explosive an leaders: “Those idiot raghead mullahs.” the Crown Prosecution Service, said. passages: – Mr Trump after Twitter doubled its Russia reiterated concerns that there has been a lack of evi- – White House chief of staff John Kelly character count for a single tweet from 140 dence to implicate the Russian nationals. on working for Trump: “He’s an idiot. It’s to 280: “It’s a good thing, but it’s a bit of a “The names published by the media, like their photographs, pointless to try to convince him of anything. shame because I was the Ernest Hemingway mean nothing to us,” Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign min- He’s gone off the rails. We’re in crazytown.” of 140 characters.” istry’s spokeswoman, told the TASS news agency. “The Russian – Mr Trump on attorney general Jeff Ses- – The president on his nickname for North side has numerous questions for London.” sions: “This guy is mentally retarded. He’s Korean leader Kim Jong Un: “Little Rocket Zakharova demanded that British authorities work with Rus- this dumb southerner. How in the world was Man. I think that may be my best ever, best sia on the case: “Once again we call on the British side to move I ever persuaded to pick him for my attorney nickname ever.” away from public accusations and informational manipulations, general? He couldn’t even be a one-person – Ivanka Trump, when told she was a towards practical collaboration of law enforcement agencies.” country lawyer down in Alabama. What busi- “staffer” by Steve Bannon: “I’m not a staffer! White House chief of staff John Kelly The poisoning of the Skripals earlier in March triggered a ness does he have being attorney general?” I’ll never be a staffer. I’m the first daughter major diplomatic crisis between Britain and Russia, with the – The president after making a speech on working for Trump: “He’s an idiot. and I’m never going to be a staffer.” British government alleging that Moscow was responsible for condemning white supremacists over vio- It’s pointless to try to convince him of – Deputy chief of staff Zach Fuentes on their attempted murder. lence in Charlottesville: “That was the biggest Mr Kelly: “He’s not a detail guy. Never put anything. He’s gone off the rails. We’re in Police had earlier said that the men, both about 40, flew from f****** mistake I’ve made. You never make more than one page in front of him.” Moscow to London on Russian passports two days before the those concessions. You never apologise. I crazytown.” (Source: Burytimes) Skripals were poisoned on March 4. Britain has blamed Russia for poisoning the Skripals and identified the poison as Novichok, a deadly group of nerve agents Kashmir: Nine-year-old ‘gang-raped, eyes gouged out’ developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s. Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attack. A nine year-old child has been gang-raped and murdered in near her home in Uri on September 2, almost 10 days after over the past decade, the right group said, after analyzing Both father and daughter were hospitalized for days before Indian-administered Kashmir’s Baramullah district, bringing she went missing. The father of the child had two wives and government data. being discharged. back memory of the brutal gang-rape of an eight-year old the first wife harbored acrimonious feelings towards the In 2016, police in India received 38,947 reports of rape (Source: agencies) in Jammu region of the state. second wife and her daughter which spurred her to murder compared with almost 35,000 in 2015, according to data Police in Kashmir said on Wednesday that the child the child, police said. The police said they are building a collected by the National Crime Records Bureau. had gone missing on September 23 and was murdered the “watertight case” so the perpetrators are punished this time. India has enacted strident anti-rape laws in response to same day. The case is the second such incident in the restive Kashmir nationwide outrage in the wake of a series of child rape cases. Five people have been arrested in connection with the region after the brutal gang-rape and murder of an eight- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case, including the step-mother and the step-brother. year-old girl in Kathua earlier this year, which caused wide- Act has now been amended to introduce the death penalty Qatar lifts exit permit system The girl was lured to a secluded spot in a forest by her spread revulsion across India. for the rape of children below age 12. step-mother and was raped in turn by her 14 years old The girl in Kathua was held captive in a temple and But campaigners say laws, on their own, do not act as for migrant workers step-brother, his friends and accomplices, the police said. sexually assaulted for a week before being strangled and deterrent. “The brutal assault on this child tells us the law Later, the step-mother strangled her and the step-brother battered to death with a stone in January. is not working. When you have death penalty for rape, they swung an axe at her head. One of the men gouged out her eyes Violence against women in the South Asian country is not just rape but they murder and they destroy evidence like and burnt parts of her body with acid to destroy evidence, widespread and has deep roots. they tried with this girl by using acid,” Meenakshi Ganguly, the police added. In recent years, the country has witnessed renewed public founder and advisor at “HAQ Centre for Child Rights” in “There is conclusive evidence for murder, there is de- outrage over the number of violent sexual assaults against New Delhi, told Al Jazeera. struction of evidence in regards to rape. But we have got vital women, especially children. “This case should be a lesson to the government. They clues to prove the rape charges in the court,” Mir Imtiyaz In July this year, doctors confirmed sexual abuse at a rushed to bring the death penalty but the number of rapes Hussain, Police chief in Baramullah district who is super- girls shelter in the state of Bihar, with children reporting have not gone down. What we are dealing with is what is vising the investigation, told Al Jazeera. being beaten, drugged, raped and scalded with hot water. happening behind closed doors, inside families. Our stud- “We have identified the culprits. Our job will be complete A child is sexually abused every 15 minutes in India, ies show in more than 70 percent of child abuse cases, the when the culprits are convicted in a court of law,” he added. according to NGO Child Rights. rapists are known to the family,” she added. Police say they found the decomposed body in a forest Crimes against minors have risen more than 500 percent (Source: Al Jazeera) Top Muslim organization censures Riyadh’s bid to execute dissident cleric An international organization of Muslim schol- prosecutors have leveled 37 counts against Gulf littoral states, the United States-based concern about the situation of detained ars headquartered in Qatar has condemned Awdah, and even demanded his execution. rights group said in a statement. female Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul the House of Saud regime for its attempts Awdah is the assistant secretary general Awdah has been prevented from commu- amid rising speculations that the kingdom to execute a senior Muslim preacher as a of the IUMS, which the Riyadh regime has nicating with the outside world since October. may start to execute its jailed women rights brutal crackdown led by the Saudi regime listed as a terrorist organization. The House of Saud regime, the United campaigners. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) The Saudi regime authorities detained Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt all The House of Saud regime has lately Qatar’s amendment to the residency law to allow most migrant against intellectuals and political dissidents the prominent Muslim scholar on September cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 stepped up politically-motivated arrests, workers to leave the country without an exit visa has been wel- widens in the conservative oil-rich kingdom. 7 last year, and have held him in solitary last year, after officially accusing it of “spon- prosecution and conviction of peaceful dissi- comed as a “huge step” by the International Organization for “What is going on in Saudi Arabia is confinement without charge or trial ever soring terrorism.” dent writers and human rights campaigners. Labor (ILO). strange beyond belief” as the regime is since. Officials have imposed travel bans The administration of the Saudi re- The Saudi regime officials have also inten- Qatar’s emir signed the new law on Tuesday, amending certain arresting and trying Muslim scholars, the on members of his family as well. gime-backed and former Yemeni president, sified security measures in the Shia-populated provisions to the existing law that required all migrant workers pan-Arab al-Araby al-Jadeed media outlet A family member told Human Rights Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Libya, the Mal- and oil-rich Eastern Province. getting permission from their employers before leaving Qatar, quoted Secretary General of the Interna- Watch that the distinguished cleric was dives, Djibouti, Senegal and the Comoros Over the past years, Riyadh has also said Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social tional Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), being held over his refusal to comply with later joined the camp in ending diplomatic redefined its anti-terrorism laws to target Affairs Issa al-Nuaimi in a statement. Ali al-Qaradaghi. an order by the Saudi regime authorities to ties with Doha. Jordan downgraded its dip- activism. With this new law, migrant workers covered by the Labor He added, “We are no longer surprised by tweet a specific text to support the Saudi-led lomatic relations as well. In January 2016, Saudi regime authori- Code would be able to leave Qatar without having to obtain such any charges against Sheikh Salman Awdah,” blockade of Qatar. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry later announced ties executed Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr Baqir a permit, the statement added. stressing that the IUMS censures the ongoing Awdah, instead, posted a tweet, saying, that the decision to cut diplomatic ties was al-Nimr, who was an outspoken critic of the “The adoption of this law is another step in our continued crackdown on Saudi clerics. “May God harmonize between their hearts unjustified and based on false claims and policies of the Riyadh regime. Nimr had been drive to provide decent work for all migrant workers in Qatar The Arabic-language Saudi newspaper for the good of their people,” - an apparent assumptions. arrested in Qatif in 2012. and to ensure their protection,” al-Nuaimi added. Okaz reported on Tuesday that Saudi public call for reconciliation between the Persian Amnesty International has voiced (Source: Press TV) The amendment is a significant step as part of reforms that Qatar is carrying out, according to Head of the ILO Project Office in Qatar Houtan Homayounpour. Erdogan warns against missile strikes during upcoming “This is a huge step taken by the Qatar government. It’s a big deal,” Homayounpour told Al Jazeera on Wednesday. “The workers are now free to leave anytime while respecting the con- Idlib liberation operation tractual agreements. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned against eign-backed militants and Takfiri terrorists, Kurdish militants “This will not cover all the workers, including domestic missile strikes during an upcoming military campaign by the carved out a de facto autonomous region in the country’s north workers and those working in the military. Qatar already has a Syrian army to liberate Idlib Province, the last major militant and northeast which was later occupied by the U.S. troops, law on domestic workers and we’re working closely on getting stronghold in the country. raising fears that they might be aiming to partition the country. a ministerial decree to grant them the same rights.” Erdogan told reporters on Wednesday that a possible The developments have raised serious concerns in Ankara Employers in Qatar can still submit names of workers for large-scale military action in Idlib would lead to a new wave and turned into a source of tensions between Turkey and the whom a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) would be required before of refugees toward Turkey. U.S., its NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) ally. granting them permission to leave the country, according to the “The situation in Idlib is crucial for Turkey. A ruthless pro- Damascus now controls more than two-thirds of Syria and statement, which added that it needed justifications based on cess has been going on there. ... God forbid, if this area is hailed is determined to reassert its authority over Kurdish-controlled the nature of the work. by missiles there would be a serious massacre,” Erdogan was regions. Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world but its quoted as saying by Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily News. “The solution to the problem now is for the Kurdish groups treatment of foreign workers from countries such as India, Nepal With the help of Iran, Russia and Lebanon’s Hezbollah dealing with America to turn their backs on this and turn to and Bangladesh has come under scrutiny as it spends billions of resistance movement, the Syrian army is preparing for the Idlib the Syrian state,” Haidar added. dollars on building new infrastructure in the run-up to hosting operation, a strategically-important region which shares a border “We are not at an ideal point (about Manbij). Unfortunately Turkey follows rule of law on pastor case the 2022 football World Cup. with Turkey and is also close to the coastal Latakia Province. the agreement made is not going forward in the same direction Furthermore, the Turkish president referred to the case A work-sponsorship system, known as Kefala, required all Idlib also hosts Turkish-backed militants fighting against as the initial discussions,” he said. of detained American pastor Andrew Brunson and said that foreign workers to obtain their employer’s consent to travel abroad the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Back in June, Turkey and the U.S. agreed on joint patrols in Ankara cannot fulfill “unlawful requests” by the U.S. regarding or switch jobs, a measure that rights groups said leaves workers Elsewhere in his remarks, Erdogan stressed that a positive Manbij to clear the area of Washington-backed Kurdish mili- the issue. prone to exploitation and forced labor. outcome is expected from the upcoming Syria summit in Iran. tants, which Turkey views as terrorists linked to the homegrown A detained U.S. evangelical pastor in Turkey has again But with the government doing away with the need for an “We will carry this issue to a positive point with the Tehran Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK/Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê?) appealed to a Turkish court to release him from house arrest exit visa for most workers, Homayounpour said that “the power summit, which is a continuation of Astana,” he said. militant group. and lift his travel ban. imbalance between workers and employers was starting to be The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey, the countries In a relevant development on Tuesday, Syria’s Reconciliation Erdogan noted that Turkey followed the rule of law and addressed”. acting as the guarantors of the ceasefire in Syria, will meet in Minister Ali Haidar emphasized that the country’s Kurdish-held that Washington would not be able to make progress in the “This now eliminates 50 percent of the problem. It was the Tehran on Friday for a third summit seeking an end to the northeast will not be given special treatment and will be dealt case by using threats. workers’ fundamental right to leave when they wished to. If they crisis gripping the country. with in the same way as other parts of the war-torn state. The two sides are entangled in a dispute over Ankara’s find themselves in a problematic situation or a family emergen- Manbij roadmap not going forward “We cannot give any Syrian province something which dif- imprisonment of the evangelical Christian pastor. He has been cy, or simply want to go on a vacation, they can leave,” he said. Additionally, the Turkish president touched on the situ- ferentiates it from other provinces or ethnicities, or (allow it) accused of having links with the outlawed PKK and the Gulen “And with regards to spreading the word, the government and ation in Syria’s northern city of Manbij, complaining that a any situation which strikes at the idea that Syria is one country movement, which Turkey blames for the 2016 failed military coup. ourselves, are undertaking many activities in order to raise the recently-agreed roadmap between Ankara and Washington and one society,” he said in an interview with Russia’s Ara- The U.S. has called for Brunson’s release and taken a series of awareness of workers and employers on this important change on the city, which is controlled by the United States-backed bic-language Sputnik news agency. punitive measures against Turkey over the pastor’s detainment. to the law.” Kurdish militants, is not proceeding as agreed. With the Syrian government focused on crushing for- (Source: agencies) (Source: Al Jazeera) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 STOCK MARKET Iran, Denmark initiate TEDPIX 137714.2 IFX 1579.93 Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir IP rights co-op By Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh to make sure that SMEs can do business and CURRENCIES hopefully also bigger companies primarily USD 42,000 rials The Iranian Intellectual Property Center within the pharmaceutical and foodstuff and the Danish Patent and Trademark EUR 48,707 rials sector.” Office inaugurated their three-year close IP rights protection improves GBP 54,190 rials cooperation within the area of intellectual commercial infrastructure in Iran property (IP) rights on Tuesday in a bid to Making remarks during the inauguration AED 11,437 rials make a closer tie between Iran and Denmark ceremony of the three-year IP contract, the Source: isna.ir on protection of IP in Iran, to ease attract ambassador expressed satisfaction that dur- foreign investments into the Asian country ing the recent weeks there have been a lot and also improve commercial conditions for of positive developments and celebration foreign as well as Iranian companies in Iran. in the Danish-Iranian relations. “Today, we The ceremony, held at the residence of the are celebrating another step in the positive COMMODITIES Ambassador of Denmark Danny Annan, was cooperation between Iran and Denmark. WTI $69.07/b attended his excellency, Counselor of Dan- Today, is the official launch of the strategic ish Embassy Terkel Hallberg Borg, Director Brent $77.48/b cooperation on IP between the two sides ... General at Danish Patent and Trademark which will contribute to the improvement OPEC Basket $75.77/b Office Sune Stampe Sorensen, and Director of commercial infrastructure in Iran. Our General at Intellectual Property Center of hope and aim is of course for Iran create a Gold $1,194.30/oz Iran Mohammad Hassan Kiani. better framework for attracting investment The project funded by the Ministry of Director General at Intellectual Property Center of Iran Mohammad Hassan Kiani (1st Silver $14.17/oz in long term prospective and in that regard, Foreign Affairs of Denmark is planned for R), Ambassador of Denmark Danny Annan (2nd R) and Director General at Danish Patent and Trademark Office Sune Stampe Sorensen (1st L) attending the inauguration protection of patent and trademark is abso- Platinium $776.55/oz Danish exporters to embark on patents and ceremony of Iran-Denmark cooperation on IP rights lutely essential.” trademarks to Iran to share their expertise and “The Danish government is financing 18 Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com experiences with the Iranian counterparts. to the Caspian forest to learn more about much more diversified in 2016 and 2017 i.e. similar projects around the world but it is 21 Danish delegations to arrive the Caspian trees and we have other kinds post sanctions era, he further explained. “Dan- the first in Iran and globally it is the first NEWS IN BRIEF in Iran by Mar. 2019 of cooperation between Denmark and Iran.” ish pharmaceutical companies are focused on IP,” he said. In a news conference held prior to the “We have also seen an increase exchange on Iranian market and for those companies Sorensen, the other speaker of the event, inauguration ceremony of the contract, which in people travelling from Denmark to Iran protection of patents is of absolute impor- in his remarks spoke of the Danish Patent ‘Govt. ready to was signed in 2016, Ambassador Annan and and vice versa for tourist and business pur- tance,” he told the Tehran Times. and Trademark Office’s 10-year experience brief MPs about his councilor made some remarks. poses,” he added. Iran’s exports to Denmark include some of being involved in international projects “The Danish Patent and Trademark Office “But I think the most impressive devel- traditional Iranian products such as handi- and of its negotiations with its counterpart new economic has more than 10 years of experience work- opment has been in our bilateral trade,” he crafts and carpets besides saffron and pista- organization in Iran on expansion of mutual strategies’ ing internationally, sharing experiences, and said. “It is of course, challenged by the re- chio, according to the ambassador. In addition, cooperation. with the several Danish companies interested imposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran but we textiles and petrochemicals stand among “Over the next three years the Danish in investing in Iran we feel it is a very good have in recent years seen quite substantial the imported goods from Iran to Denmark. office will work with the staff of IP center, ECONOMY TEHRAN — “Government has prepared match to share our experiences and make growth in or bilateral trade.” Announcing that a number of pharmaceu- enforcement agencies such as the Iranian desk five new packages and 12 programs to the infrastructure for protecting IP rights “This is of course, not a Danish point of tical and foodstuff companies have invested police, customs, judges and prosecutors as tackle the current economic conditions and is ready to brief in Iran,” Borg said. view but a European point of view: we want in Iran, he did not inform about the value of well as advisors and agents that are using IP the parliament members about them,” government spokes- “Over the last year we have several delega- to be able to continue business with Iran,” the made investments. “It is no secret that it system in Iran,” he announced. “Our coop- man Mohammad-Baqer Nobakht announced addressing the tions coming here from Denmark, sharing Annan underlined, “We want to be able to was necessary for some Danish companies to eration will focus on a number of different parliament on Wednesday, IRNA reported. their experiences and conducting workshops develop trade and investment.” leave the Iranian market but a lot of them are aspects of IP in Iran with four priorities.” Some 300 trillion rials (about $7.1 billion) of budget has with their Iranian partners now we have in- The initiated IP project, as the Ambas- staying here and are happy with their positive It seeks to reinforce the human and ad- been allocated for implementation of these strategies, according creased intensity and before Nowruz (March sador said will be very important in the long experience of the Iranian market,” he said. ministrative capacity of government agen- to Nobakht who is also the head of the Budget and Planning 21, 2019) we have 21 delegations coming to term for investment opportunities in Iran. “There is a big focus in Denmark and the cies that deal with IP rights, create a closer Organization. Iran to share their experiences within many “I am quite sure that it will be a successful EU to see what we can about creating a right network and interaction between IP actors “Some 175 trillion rials (about $4.1 billion) of the said amount different fields of IP,” he added. project and in the long term it will be able frame work for our companies to continue in Iran, align IP legislation and guidelines is granted to supply 25 different types of basic goods, medicine Addressing the news conference, Ambas- to attract many Danish companies willing to be in Iran,” he added. to existing best practices and norms, and and agricultural inputs,” he said. sador Annan, expressed his content about to invest in Iran,” he said. Answering our question about the Danish increase awareness about IP rights to users According to the latest announcement of the Central Bank the initiated project saying that “in recent Answering the Tehran Times question government resolution for the existing bank- and consumers, according to him. of Iran (CBI) the bank has paid €5.5 billion for supplying basic years we have seen flourishing cooperation about the volume of bilateral trade between ing and money transfer problems that make Kiani, for his part, referred to the 94-year- goods since the beginning of the present Iranian calendar year between Iran and Denmark. We have a very Denmark and Iran, Annan put the Danish bilateral commercial ties difficult, Annan said old IP regulations in Iran and the country’ (March 21, 2018). good political dialogue, we have had Iranian exports to Iran at €300 million in 2017, with “I think it is when it comes to establishing the focus on development of IP specifically during ministers visiting Denmark, we have had the country’s imports from Iran substan- right framework for continuing the JCPOA. the last two decades. TPO to dispatch Danish ministers visiting Iran and we expect tially lower since Denmark is self-sufficient There are two primary concerns. One of them “The IP contract signed between Iran and more visits in the near future.” in gas and oil. is continuation of Iranian oil exports and Denmark stands among the most influential trade delegation to “We have also seen an increase in govern- “But we can take a wider scope and look the other big issue is the banking relations. and practical ones between the two counties. Oman in early Oct. ment to government cooperation and the at Iran’s exports to EU, which has had a tre- I know E3, the EU and its member states are As of December 13, 2016, when the contract recent example in patent and trade mark mendous growth, and that is only one of doing everything to find a solution.” was signed in Tehran on a sidelines of a semi- cooperation is one of those examples,” he the reasons that we believe it is important “I think we have also been surprised by the nar, till he present date, 15 important types said, “but not only at official level but also at to safeguard the JCPOA. The deal is to the difficulty of finding solutions,” he regretted. of cooperation such as conducting IP studies, university and academic level we see good benefit of EU and Iran” he added. “But that is not stopping us from trying to various training workshops about patents ECONOMY TEHRAN — Trade Promotion Organiza- cooperation. We have Danish archeologists The exports of Denmark to Iran majorly do everything we can to ensure that banking and trademarks, and etc. have been done,” desktion (TPO) of Iran plans to dispatch a trade excavating in Iran, we have people coming include pharmaceuticals but the exports were relations can exist between Iran and the EU the Iranian official said. delegation to Omani capital Muscat from October 7 to 11, TPO website published. The Iranian delegates active in the fields of maritime lo- gistic services and port industries will be sent to Oman to visit Petrochemical industry, a pillar for Iran’s resilient economy Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2018 which will be held from 1 Iran is planning to have the world’s largest Kavian and Marjan. October 8 to 10 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre methanol production capacity in the upcoming years. With Signing deals for flare gas recovery showcasing logistics services, shipping, maritime services and 11 other methanol complexes underway, the country’s On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony, Na- investment opportunities. methanol capacity is due to increase to 19.1 million tons. tional Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) also signed two Kaveh Petrochemical complex with a capacity of 2.3 separate contracts with Persian Gulf Holding and Marun million tons and Bushehr Petrochemical Complex with 1.65 Petrochemical Company on recovery and utilization of Iran to set up million tons capacity of methanol production are among flare gas from Iran’s South Pars gas fields. pavilion in Energy the country’s top methanol producers. The contracts which cover the upgrading and mod- Supplying power for the region’s petchem ernization of the South Pars flare gas recovery utilities, Expo Minsk 2018 plants include 32 projects estimated to cost a total of $1.2 billion. The first phase of Damavand Petrochemical Company’s Aiming to prevent the daily burning of around 22 million power plant with the capacity of 1,900 MW and at the cubic meters of gas (760 million cubic feet), these projects cost of $366 million was the third project inaugurated are scheduled to be implemented in the next 2.5 years. ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iran will set up a pavilion in The power plant includes two main boilers and an The port city of Assaluyeh is home to a number of petro- desk by the president. an energy exhibition which will be held in This phase of the power plant is going to supply elec- auxiliary thermal recovery boiler and has the capacity to chemical complexes which receive gas and gas condensate Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, from October 9 to 12, 2018. tricity and steam to 24 petrochemical complexes located produce 780 tons of steam per hour, providing the required feedstock from the giant South Pars gas field, which Iran The Iranian companies to participate in Energy Expo Minsk in Phase 2 of the Assaluyeh petrochemical zone. steam for Petrochemical Complexes of Mehr, Morvarid, shares with Qatar in the Persian Gulf. 2018 are active in the fields of oil, gas, petrochemicals, elec- tricity, renewable energy, power plant and dam building, and environment protection, Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Egypt can handle the emerging markets downturn ‘up to a limit’ of Iran published on its website. Amid a brewing storm for emerging markets, is down nearly 9 percent year-to-date. investor confidence. reform, which affected it negatively,” Maait Egypt’s finance minister believes his country’s Egypt’s long road to recovery The private sector has already reaped ben- said. “However, the outcome of this reform... economy can weather what has thrown many Maait’s comments come as Egypt enters efits, with Egypt’s benchmark EGX 30 index started to give positive signs.” EU, U.S. trade chiefs to mend others into crisis — as long as the underlying a period of solid recovery more than seven up 38.5 percent since December 2016. Indeed, ratings agency Moody’s recently causes don’t get any worse. years after its 2011 revolution and a series of Skyrocketing living costs upgraded Egypt from stable to positive, ranked ties after Trump tariff detente Speaking to CNBC’s Hadley Gamble in Cairo, terrorist attacks sent the economy spiraling. But what’s been less touted is the cost of these as ‘B3,’ its best since 2011. Unemployment has the recently-appointed Mohamed Maait dis- But the austerity measures behind some of austerity measures. Not long after President also come down, and inflation eased to 13.5 U.S. and EU trade chiefs will hold a first meeting in Brussels on cussed what the current market turmoil meant this growth have led to sharply increased living Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s election in 2014 and the percent in July, a major improvement from a Monday to pursue closer transatlantic ties after U.S. President for the Middle Eastern country of 90 million. costs for ordinary Egyptians and deepening subsequent IMF loan — unlocked after Egypt record 34.2 percent just one year prior. Donald Trump agreed to drop his threat of tariffs on EU cars. “It is worrying; however, we are able until social discontent. unpegged its currency, the pound, triggering Still, most Egyptians appear to be waiting European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom will now to absorb these negative effects... Egypt’s Egypt reported its highest economic growth its 50 percent crash against the dollar — basic to feel the benefits of these improvements on host United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer economy has sources to address this. However, in a decade in July, at 5.3 percent for the 2017- costs for Egyptians skyrocketed. their day-to-day lives. Crime, corruption and at the first political level meeting of a new working group, the I have to be very honest — up to a limit,” Maait 2018 fiscal year compared to 4.2 percent the Gas prices have tripled in the past three pollution, as well as inadequate social services Commission said on Wednesday. said. “So hopefully what is happening will be previous year. The government aims to hit 7 years and electricity costs have more than provision, continue to plague the country’s The group, set up after a detente in July, is charged with corrected and will move into a stable position, percent growth by 2022, an aspiration bol- quadrupled. Once heavily subsidized by the surging population. finding ways to cut tariffs, boost U.S. liquefied natural gas because yes we are absorbing all these shocks stered by the International Monetary Fund’s state, the price of basic staples such as bread, Debt crisis on the horizon? exports and to reform the World Trade Organization. Trade — oil prices, emerging market problems, in- (IMF) forecast of 6 percent growth in the near- sugar and cooking oil have more than doubled. Beneath the rosy growth numbers, some advisers and officials held a first meeting last month. creasing interest rates — but if they continue term — the highest in North Africa — and a And poverty is on the rise — it’s currently at economists see a debt crisis in the making. Trump agreed with Commission President Jean-Claude like that, it will be a problem for us.” reduction in inflation and unemployment of nearly 28 percent, up from 25 percent in 2010, Egypt’s government debt stood at 36.8 per- Juncker in July to refrain from imposing tariffs on EU cars Investors have been stepping away from 7 percent by 2022. and in rural areas is as high as 60 percent, ac- cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in June, while the two sides launched discussions to remove tariffs on emerging markets on the back of rising global The country’s lofty macro figures stem from cording to the World Bank. Forty percent of up 11.6 percent year-on-year and higher than non-auto industrial products. interest rates and a strengthening dollar, which a number of IMF-imposed structural reforms Egyptians live on less than $2 a day. Wages Turkey’s figure of 23 percent of GDP. Rising But Malmstrom said last week that the easing of trade ten- have made the record-high stock of dollar- implemented by the Egyptian government have not kept up with the rise in living costs, global interest rates and a stronger dollar have sions between the two partners had not put to rest “profound denominated emerging market debt significantly since late 2016, alongside a $12 billion loan and the Bank cites high inflation and the ero- pushed up financing costs for Egypt and other disagreements” on trade policy. more painful to pay off. Several major emerg- from the international lender. Egypt floated sion of real incomes as having “taken a toll on emerging markets, just as the country is set to She also said the European Union would be willing to re- ing economies, including Turkey, Argentina its currency, began reducing subsidies and social and economic conditions.” issue a raft of new euro and dollar bonds, worth duce its car tariffs to zero if the United States did the same. and Indonesia, are seeing their currencies hit raising taxes, and enacted a series of invest- The finance minister held that these reforms, around $30 million, between 2018 and 2021. Trump rejected the idea as “not good enough”, adding record lows, while even India and China are ment reforms — including lowering taxes though exacting, are necessary. Nonetheless, Maait expressed confidence that EU consumers simply tended to buy European rather seeing asset values slip amid growing trade and facilitating bureaucratic processes for “Our country is going through a very, very that the debt load would be reduced. than American cars. (Source: Reuters) war fears. The MSCI emerging markets index international companies — boosting foreign difficult situation. We had to make this painful (Source: CNBC) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 ENERGY 5

Oil drops toward $77 as U.S. China’s slowing demand for oil is a serious concern for storm threat eases the Middle East The risk of declining Chinese demand for oil is worrying Middle Oil extended losses on Wednesday, falling Energy, referring to Gordon’s limited impact East officials more than Iran’s supply curbs as a result of U.S. toward $77 a barrel, as a tropical storm on oil pricing. sanctions. hitting the U.S. Gulf coast weakened, Oil could gain support if weekly reports Bahrain and Oman’s oil and gas ministers both told CNBC offsetting support from forecasts of lower on U.S. inventories show a drop in crude Monday that China’s demand for oil could decline on the back U.S. inventories and sanctions against Iran. inventories, as expected. Analysts estimate, of its trade dispute with the U.S. that has seen tariffs imposed Crude had jumped the previous day on average, that stocks fell by about 1.9 on a wide range of Chinese imports. as oil companies shut dozens of offshore million barrels last week. “I think there is a risk on the demand side,” Bahrain’s Oil platforms in anticipation of damage from The American Petroleum Institute, an Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa told CNBC’s tropical storm Gordon. But by Wednesday industry group, releases its supply report at Hadley Gamble in Muscat, Oman. “Is demand going to continue the storm was weakening, reducing its threat 2030 GMT on Wednesday, a day later than as strongly as it did?” to oil producers. usual because of the Labor Day holiday on “Obviously the trade issue is going to impact demand in a “Tropical storm Gordon made an Monday. Official government figures are negative fashion if it continues and persists. You’ve got the strong uneventful landfall after dashing expectations due on Thursday. dollar, which is another factor.” that it would strengthen to a hurricane,” Brent has traded between $70 and $80 Oil prices have stabilized over the last two years largely thanks said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. since April; a range that Saudi Arabia and to a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers, including “Instead, it weakened considerably and other producers in the Organization of the Bahrain and Oman, to curb oil output. The deal has worked with deviated away from oil-producing areas, Petroleum Exporting Countries would like to prices now between $70 and $80 a barrel. which, as a result, has taken the wind out see maintained for now, OPEC and industry However, the deal has come under fire from President Donald of bulls’ sails.” sources have said. Trump, who said in July that higher oil prices are hitting consum- Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector ers too hard. OPEC and Russia, the world’s largest producers, $1.02 to $77.15 a barrel by 0949 GMT. On from November are already reducing exports promised to boost supply a few days afterwards. Tuesday prices had climbed to $79.72, their from OPEC’s third-largest producer and Nonetheless, Trump’s decision-making is affecting oil mar- highest since May. counteracting the impact of an agreement ket stability too. His decision to re-impose sanctions on major U.S. crude was down $1.05 at $68.82. by OPEC and its allies to pump more oil. OPEC oil producer Iran (with the restrictions due to kick in in “Storm in a teacup,” said analysts at JBC (Source: Reuters) November) could push prices even higher as Iran’s contribution to global oil supply is restricted. But Trump’s attack on cheap Chinese imports, and his de- Renewable energy dominating global Transocean strikes $2.7b deal for cision to impose trade tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods entering the U.S., could damage China’s economic growth and M&A sector in 2018: EY deepwater rival Ocean Rig in turn lower its demand for oil. Oman’s oil minister, also speaking to CNBC, said not enough The value of global power and utility merger Drilling rig operator Transocean has struck attention was being paid to how trade tensions could damage and acquisitions reached an all-time high a cash-and-stock deal valued at $2.7 billion China’s demand for oil. of $180 billion in the first half of this year including debt to acquire deepwater rival “There is a danger that the demand will be impacted as well. – and renewables accounted for almost Ocean Rig in the latest sign that recovery in People often focus on the supply side — what happens if Iran stops half of all deals done in the second quarter. oil prices is fuelling a new round of merger supplying — but what happens if China reduces its consumption? Figures in a new report from global and acquisition activity in the sector. So we are looking at both sides of this discussion,” Mohammed consultancy EY found that the 46 percent Transocean — the industry’s largest bin Hamad Al Rumhy told CNBC’s Hadley Gamble Monday. of renewables deals comprised 63 contracts deepwater and harsh environment operator “I see that as a possibility as well. If there is a serious trade totaling $12.9 billion. Most notable was the — will expand its fleet to 57 through the disagreement between the U.S. and China, the Chinese consump- European Union’s landmark agreement deal, with the addition of Ocean Rig’s fleet tion of energy will be impacted negatively, from our point of view to achieve 32 percent renewable energy of ultra-deepwater drillships and semi- and the ability to produce and export will be impacted,” he said consumption by 2030, and three renewables submersible rigs. at the World Heavy Oil Congress. deals in the U.S. totaling $3.8 billion. The move comes as oil prices have “And I think, and many people agree with me, that the demand EY also highlighted that utilities recovered to nearly $80 a barrel, close to will be impacted — so that’s not good for us.” increasingly invested in new technologies energy deals, in line with the country’s One their highest level in four years, encouraging industry recovery,” he said. “The real ramp China surpassed the U.S. to become the world’s largest crude during Q2. In Europe, $5.5 billion was spent Belt, One Road state initiative. Some $27.4 companies to engage in more deal making. up in rig rates, the much larger increase in oil importer in 2017, importing 8.4 million barrels per day (b/d), on energy services and new technology billion was attributed to the announced The deal is also a sign that the oil drilling offshore drilling” was unlikely to be seen compared with 7.9 million b/d for the U.S., according to the U.S. deals, while Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power takeover bid of Portugal’s EDP by China and services industry expects it will soon before 2020, he added. Energy Information Administration. Company (TEPCO) launched a subsidiary to Three Gorges. be able to raise the prices it charges, having Transocean will own 79 percent of Ocean In 2017, 56 percent of China’s crude oil imports came from form joint ventures around the development In Europe, EY said that business seen margins hammered in the downturn Rig on completion, with the company’s countries within OPEC, a decline from a peak of 67 percent in of disruptive technologies. remained strong in Q2, reaching $45.7 since 2014 as exploration and production current shareholders retaining 21 percent. 2012 but still making it a significant market for OPEC and its Miles Huq, EY Global Power & Utilities billion and representing 55 percent of companies scaled back. The transaction — which includes Ocean Middle East members. Transactions Leader, said: “The first half of total power and utility global deal value. Jeremy Thigpen, Transocean’s president Rig’s net debt — has an implied value of In fact, Russia surpassed Saudi Arabia as China’s largest source 2018 reflects a complex deal environment Deal value in the Asia-Pacific region and chief executive, said the deal would $32.28 per Ocean Rig share, based on of foreign crude oil in 2016, exporting 1.2 million b/d to China in characterized by a changing generation saw an increase of 78 percent quarter-on- allow the company to capitalize on what its August 31 closing price, representing 2017 compared with Saudi Arabia’s 1.0 million b/d. mix and a growing appetite for renewables quarter during Q2 to $10.3bn – again with it sees as “an imminent recovery in the a 20 percent premium to its 10-day volume (Source: CNBC) investment, which will continue to drive renewables driving much of the activity, ultra-deepwater market”. weighted average price, the companies said. the deal agenda into the second half of with 25 clean energy deals worth a total “The combination of constructive Ocean Rig’s net debt was $397m at the end the year. of $3.8bn. and stable oil prices over the past several of March, according to its quarterly results. Baker Hughes wins major “Around the world, we are also seeing While deal value in the Americas declined quarters, streamlined offshore project Royal Dutch Shell said last month that utilities companies increasingly exploring by 8 percent quarter-on-quarter to $26.9 costs, and undeniable reserve replacement deepwater drilling was making a comeback Saudi offshore oil field new technologies, including battery storage, billion, EY noted that seven ‘megadeals’ challenges has driven a material increase after the 2014 oil crash as falling costs expansion deal electric vehicle infrastructure and digital totaling $21.8 billion gave the region a in offshore contracting activity,” he added. and higher crude prices was making it grid technologies. ith sector convergence boost. The U.S. represented 75 percent Colin Davies, an analyst at Bernstein, competitive again, despite the industry’s Saudi Aramco has awarded Baker Hughes a major services con- on the rise, we are also seeing more non- of Americas deal value at $20.2 billion. said consolidation in the industry was focus on onshore U.S. shale. tract to boost crude oil production from Saudi Arabia’s offshore conventional competitors emerge as the Huq explained: “U.S. federal tax reforms not unexpected with Transocean a vocal Transocean plans to fund the cash Marjan oil field. power and utilities landscape continues are making an impact in the sector, with proponent of the need for size and scale. portion of the transaction through a Baker Hughes will start drilling work this month to help in- to undergo transformation.” investor-owned gas and electric utilities “In their view, their strength is to lead that combination of its cash reserves and crease production capacity from the 500,000 b/d field, Aramco A further highlight in the second quarter preparing to return billions of dollars to consolidation as the largest player in the fully committed financing provided by said in a statement Tuesday. according to EY was the emergence of ratepayers nationwide. Several utility industry,” he said. Citi. The company did not reveal the size The services include drilling, along with coiled tubing and developing markets as an investment holding companies and diversified utilities Davies said the move was an indication of the financing facility provided by Citi. drilling fluid engineering services for the field, the statement said. destination for traditional M&A. Thailand with competitive generation segments have that the offshore industry — particularly The merger is expected to be completed in Marjan, which lies off Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast in the Persian and India accounted for $5.3 billion and announced plans to raise capital through in deepwater — was beginning to show the first quarter of 2019, the companies said. Gulf, is the first of three major offshore expansions in a wider $3.2 billion of deals, respectively, while equity and debt issuances or plans to reduce “tentative positive signs”, noting that Ocean Rig’s share price, which has plan to raise offshore production at the 800,000 b/d Zuluf and transactions by both domestic and foreign capital expenditures to maintain credit contract activity was rising. collapsed by more than 99 percent since 200,000 b/d Berri fields. investors in Estonia totaled $600 million. metrics. Further consolidation in the US However, he cautioned that full recovery 2014, jumped 14 percent after the deal was Adding another 1 million b/d by 2023 of capacity from the China led global outbound investment is expected through 2018.” had not yet arrived. announced on Tuesday. three fields will help offset reduced output from older fields. in Q2 with $31.2 billion of cross-border (Source: power-eng.com) “In our view we’re still a fair way from (Source: Financial Times) Although it holds the world’s largest proven reserves, estimated to be above 260 billion barrels, many of Saudi Arabia’s most productive fields have been operating for decades. “The Marjan oil field is one of the major upstream developments Big Oil’s LNG obsession this year that will contribute to the kingdom’s oil production Since the early days of the oil and gas industry, a group of compared to its nearest competitor. The company’s value strengths, helping maintain capacity and meet domestic and Western companies has dominated the industry. These currently is $53 billion less than Exxon’s, the largest oil and global demand,” according to Mohammed al-Qahtani, Aramco’s companies have been named ‘Big Oil’ due to the size of their gas company in the world. Before the deal, the difference senior vice president of upstream. global footprint. Despite their technological superiority was more than $150 billion. Saudi Arabia maintains around 1.7 million b/d of spare pro- and significant access to capital, these organizations are Furthermore, Big Oil’s participation in LNG projects duction capacity based on its 10.63 million b/d output in July, now facing difficulties in maintaining market share and around the globe is highly sought after due to the complex according to the latest S&P Global Platts survey of OPEC producers. profitability. Changing requirements concerning fuel types nature of the required technology. Liquefication and regas- (Source: Platts) as well as an increasing focus on environmental impacts ification of natural gas is a capital and knowledge-inten- have transformed the global energy market. Inevitably, sive process which not many companies possess. Big Oil’s these companies have been forced to change their strategy ability to attract talent from across the industry, achieve Storm menacing gulf coast to remain relevant to customers. innovative solutions to reduce costs and achieve goals, pushes oil, gas in opposite Big Oil is refocusing its business model to accommodate puts these companies in a unique position. The inability a world where the share of natural gas in the energy mix of NOCs to replace and mimic the required technology directions is growing by the day. LNG has been the main driver of further strengthens Big Oil’s position. growth in the natural gas sector as it has provided flex- Besides complex technology, LNG projects tend to be As Tropical Storm Gordon barrels toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, ibility to customers and global price competition. While conventional fields has become less high-tech and more costly endeavors requiring high upfront costs. Construction oil and natural gas futures are moving in opposite directions. some companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell, have been widespread these days, available to even the most basic NOC. of gasification facilities can take years during which debt Natural gas futures fell 9.3 cents to close at $2.823 per million increasing their activities in the LNG business for years, Despite the fact that demand for oil is still growing, is pilling. The recent development of artic LNG in Russia British thermal units, the biggest daily drop since early February. others like Exxon are only just starting to catch up. The increasing by 1.6 percent or 1.5 million barrels per day in is an example of a technologically difficult and expensive Crude futures, meanwhile, rose 0.1 percent from Friday after change in focus comes at the cost of the raison d’être of 2017, the share of oil in the global energy mix is decreasing. project. The $27 billion Yamal peninsula projects was al- earlier climbing as much as 2.3 percent. these organizations: oil. Natural gas is the only fossil fuel that will see a growth most abandoned due to Western sanctions, but Chinese The divergence is likely because gas traders see the greatest In the past decades, the growing importance of oil in the of its share of the global energy mix in the foreseeable financial support and Total’s expertise saved the project. impact to prices coming from weakened power demand, as wind economies of resource-rich nations led to the establishment future. Therefore, the most logical next step for Big Oil The change in focus can also be seen in the ratio of oil and and rain keep temperatures lower than normal. Oil traders, on the of National Oil Companies, or NOCs, that could challenge is natural gas. gas in the business of Big Oil. BP is undergoing a major gas other hand, see the risk to supply trumping data showing rising Big Oil. Forty years ago, Big Oil had access to 85 percent Environmentalism is another important development expansion. By 2020 the firm intends to produce 60 percent output from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. of global reserves. Today, that amount has decreased to that has fuelled demand for natural gas. Due to the inter- gas and 40 percent oil, the opposite of its current production Hurricane warnings have gone up along the Gulf Coast from 14 percent. Less access also leads to a lower replacement mittent nature of renewable energy technology, an alter- mix. Shell maintains a fleet of 90 LNG carriers, which is eastern Louisiana to the Florida-Alabama line. Gordon was about ratio. NOCs such as Saudi Aramco have been able to replace native source is required to generate power when nature around 20 percent of the global LNG shipping fleet. Exxon 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southeast of Biloxi, Missis- the expertise of international firms in many areas of the does not cooperate. The high energy density of natural gas, is increasing its investments in natural gas and Chevron sippi, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory at 2 world concerning conventional production. abundance globally, and low level of emission of hazardous operates several large LNG facilities around the globe. p.m. in Miami. The success of Big Oil in the past was based on three gasses have led to increased demand. The transformation of companies is inevitable as de- As of 11:30 a.m. in Houston, 9.2 percent of total offshore oil factors: extended experience, greater investor muscle, and Royal Dutch Shell has invested significantly in LNG mand for energy changes. Companies that were quick to production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was shut in, with 9.1 percent advanced technology. Nowadays, most NOCs are able to with its takeover of British Gas in 2016. The acquisition respond are reaping the benefits, with Shell being a prime of overall gas output halted, according to the Bureau of Safety receive the same financial support from international lenders of BG for more than $50 billion provided the Dutch com- example. Others are now following suit in an industry that and Environmental Enforcement. Staff had been evacuated from while enjoying government support which makes bank- pany with a head start during a period when prices were is sure to have a bright future. 54 production platforms and one rig. ruptcy less likely. Furthermore, drilling technology for low. Shell’s capacity in the LNG industry is nearly double (Source: oilprice.com) (Source: Bloomberg) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 INTERNATIONAL SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF Trump’s trade war with China poses Dr. Arif Alvi elected new President of greatest threat to global economic growth Pakistan 1 However, regardless of the U.S. INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Less than a fortnight after pressure, China will maintain its own pace deskImran Khan took over as the new Prime and work with other countries to protect the Minister of Pakistan, senior Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) multilateral trade system, China’s President leader Dr. Arif Alvi was elected as the country’s new Presi- Xi Jinping said earlier this week during his dent on Tuesday. meeting with UN secretary general Antonio Dr. Alvi, the candidate of PTI, was contesting against joint Guterres. opposition candidate Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan “We are willing to use practical actions to Peoples’ Party (PPP) candidate Aitzaz Ahsan. drive all parties to jointly adhere to trade A statement issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan liberalization and facilitation and build an (ECP) said Dr. received 353 electoral votes, while his rivals open world economy,” Xi said, according Fazlur Rehman received 185 and Aitzaz Ahsan received 124. to a statement issued by China’s foreign Speaking to media persons in Islamabad, the 13th Presi- ministry. dent of Pakistan said he was thankful to Almighty Allah Meanwhile, according to a study report by for emerging triumphant in the election process. He also OECD, Asia in general and China in particular thanked PTI chairman and PM Imran Khan for reposing is on the upswing. “One consequence of the confidence in him. rising importance of emerging markets in Dr. Alvi vowed to work in capacity as President. “I am the world economy, notably China and In- not just a president of Tehreek-e-Insaf, rather of all political dia, but also Indonesia, is that the center of parties and the nation,” he stressed. He is expected to take gravity of world economic activity continues oath of office on September 9. to move from North America toward Asia,” PTI won the general election in Pakistan last month but the paper notes. failed to gain the clear majority. After cobbling together an alliance with smaller parties, a new government was formed a few weeks ago with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan as premier. ‘Iran is critical to India’s energy strategy and Time to end Afghan war, broader geopolitical interests’ says U.S. 1 A. India is the second largest transactions, from banking to oil, are con- commander buyer of Iranian crude oil after China. The ducted in U.S. dollars. U.S., however, is seeking to influence the Today, however, the U.S. faces a major INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — Bearing testimony to America’s energy-import policy of India, which cur- test to effectively enforce its new extrater- deskfailures in Afghanistan, the outgoing com- rently imports more than three-fourths of ritorial sanctions relating to Iran, which is mander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan Gen. John its crude oil requirements. According to a Trump obsession, and Russia, which still W. Nicholson urged all sides to bring an end to the protracted the International Energy Agency, India is evokes bipartisan hostility in Washington war. “It is time for this war in Afghanistan to end,” Nicholson set to emerge as the fastest-growing crude although Russia’s economy has shrunk to was quoted saying by New York Times in his emotional fare- consumer in the world by 2040. one-tenth the size of China’s and its military well address. Nicholson served as the commander of U.S. and Washington is seeking to sell more oil and gas spending to one-fifth of China’s. Trump’s NATO troops in Afghanistan for more than two years, during to India and is also encouraging it to switch sanctions aimed at throttling the Iranian which the Taliban insurgency peaked and civilian casualties imports from Iran to Saudi Arabia and other economy have prompted calls for defiance touched record high. The deteriorating security situation in the U.S. allies. For India, however, next-door even in Europe. war-ravaged country has forced the Afghan government and its Iran has long been a major oil supplier and Speculation is rife that India will con- international partners to revise their strategies. The outgoing will remain so. vey to the U.S. that it is going ahead with the U.S. commander reportedly had serious differences with the India’s continued oil imports from Iran ambitious Rs. 40,000 crore deal with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump. NYT reported that Nicholson in the wake of U.S. sanctions kicking in from to procure a consignment of S-400 Triumf did not meet a single time with Trump in the 20 months since November is likely to figure prominently in air defense missile systems. Do you think it the latter became the president. the first Indo-U.S. two-plus-two dialogue in will raise eyebrows in Washington? General Scott Miller, the former commander of the U.S. New Delhi on Thursday. What should we A. Russia is a tried and tested friend of military’s Joint Special Operations Command, took over expect from these talks? India. Although the U.S. has now become from Nicholson this week. A. India is looking for a waiver from the U.S. the largest seller of arms to India, Russia More than 17 years after invading the country, the U.S.- sanctions on Iran so as to insulate its energy costs on India through its misguided policies. Under Donald Trump, U.S. has an- remains important to India’s interests. India led international coalition has failed in counter-terrorism and political cooperation with Tehran. The new India had initially said they do not tagonized many European countries with has made it clear to the U.S. that it will go efforts. Today, the security situation remains volatile and U.S. sanctions on Iran will figure prominently recognize unilateral sanctions imposed by hard-nosed policies, announced sanctions ahead with the S-400 purchase and other terror attacks have become more frequent, creating a sense in the two-plus-two dialogue because those Washington, and only recognize UN sanc- against Russia, Turkey, Iran and declaring defense deals with Russia. of fear among people. sanctions directly impinge on India’s interests. tions. Why did then New Delhi buckle under trade war with China. What’s wrong with The new government in Pakistan Since the beginning of this fiscal year, the U.S. pressure? the U.S. president’s worldview? has extended an olive branch to India. Do the oil purchase from Tehran has surged A. I don’t think India has buckled under A. By slapping a nation with punitive you expect the relations between the two Number of due to heavy discounts, free shipping and U.S. pressure. India is pursuing a cautious sanctions, the U.S. seeks to block trade and countries to improve? How important is it militants in extended credit period for oil sales offered approach to uphold its interests. It wants the financial activities with that country even by for regional peace? by Iran. Don’t you think cutting oil imports Trump administration to grant it a waiver other states. Such extraterritorial sanctions A. The latest election has changed little Kashmir crosses will cost the country savings on shipping and from the Iran-related sanctions. — which it euphemistically labels “secondary” in Pakistan, a country still struggling to be the longest credit repayment period offered India’s former vice president Hamid sanctions — run counter to international law. at peace with itself. The Pakistani military 300 by any of its suppliers? Ansari believes Iran is an important country Yet the U.S. uses its unmatched power to will remain the puppet master calling the A. Thanks to the Trump administration’s shots from behind the scenes, with the new TEHRAN — For the first time in over a for India, and not just as an oil supplier. “We turn national actions into global measures. INTERNATIONAL reckless actions, including withdrawal from Prime Minister, Imran Khan, as its newest deskdecade, the number of militants in volatile have to keep in mind two things. We get a As the world’s reserve currency that greases the multilateral Iran nuclear deal and impo- puppet. The military didn’t just stack the Kashmir valley has crossed 300, triggering alarm among good amount of energy supply from Iran. the wheels of the global financial system, the sition of new sanctions against Iran, India’s electoral odds in Khan’s favor; it did prac- security and intelligence agencies, according to a report in But Iran is not only an energy supplier,” he U.S. dollar arms America with tremendous energy-import bill is increasing. The Trump tically everything, including rigging, to put The Tribune. said. Do you agree? leverage, making U.S. sanctions the most administration is imposing serious economic him in power. For many years, the number of militants in Kashmir stood A. Yes. powerful in the world. Most international around 200, except in 2013 when only 78 militants were active in the strife-torn valley, the lowest figure since the militancy erupted in Kashmir in early 1990s, the report said. Life, death and legacy of U.S. ally turned foe Haqqani In 2017, 126 youth picked up arms in Kashmir - which was the highest number since 2010 and this year over 130 1 The timing of the announcement of albeit briefly. have been inducted into militancy, the report added. his death is interesting since many believe he Then a group emerged by the name of All 10 districts of Kashmir have the presence of militants. had died years ago. Tawab Ghorzang, Director Taliban, comprising fighters who had fought In 2017, security forces had launched Operation All Out at Afghanistan’s National Security Council, for the U.S. against Soviet forces. The group against militants and killed over 200 of them and this year said Haqqani died back in 2007 and the news took power in Afghanistan in 1996, and ac- over 130 militants have been killed so far. is made public now as “part of (Taliban’s) cording to a declassified cable from the U.S. The report put together by the J&K Police last month psychological warfare tactics”. Embassy, Haqqani was welcomed into the reveals that 327 militants are active of which 211 are locals His death may or may not be relevant, but group for his unmatched military prowess. and 116 are foreigners. Two militant groups Hizbul Mujahi- in the broader scheme of things, his legacy When the Taliban regime was toppled in 2001 deen and Lashkar-e-Toiba continue to be dominant. While is important: introducing suicide bombings by the U.S.-led coalition, Haqqani shifted base the Lashkar has the highest cadre with nearly 141 militants, in Afghanistan and providing a platform to to Pakistan’s tribal areas and reorganized Hizb has over 128 listed militants. Arab fighters in the Af-Pak region. The rise his group for a new mission – war against of groups like ISIS in Afghanistan can partly old friends. India to be attributed to the radical ideology he so Since then, Haqqani Network, an integral aggressively propounded. part of the Afghan Taliban, has been doggedly construct 100 Haqqani, a former U.S. ally, was once fighting against the U.S. and NATO troops hailed as a “freedom fighter” by U.S. President in Afghanistan. After the death of Taliban airports at $60 Ronald Reagan and praised by the late U.S. founder Mullah Omar, Haqqani, who was a billion Congressman Charlie Wilson as “goodness key member of the Taliban’s Quetta Shura, personified”. He was among the ‘mujahideen’ had played an instrumental role in keeping INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — India plans to construct Americans backed in 1980s to fight Soviet the group’s flock together. He was considered desk100 airports at an estimated cost of $60 forces in Afghanistan. an ideological godfather by many Taliban billion in the next 10 to 15 years, the country’s civil aviation Haqqani was also a close friend of former Haqqani, a former U.S. ally, was once commanders. minister Suresh Prabhu announced on Tuesday. Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who often hailed as a “freedom fighter” by U.S. In 2012, the U.S. government declared India’s aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing avia- stayed with him in his traditional bastion of President Ronald Reagan and praised by the group a terrorist organization, because tion sectors in the world and has recorded 50 months of southeast Afghanistan. the equation had changed and now the group double-digit traffic growth, said a media report. His association with Pakistan, from where the late U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson was not serving America’s interests. “We have plans for 100 new airports to be built in India his group operated since 2001, dates back to as “goodness personified”. He was among For some years now, he had been bed- in the next 10 to 15 years with investments of almost $60 his young days as a religious seminary student. ridden, and his son Sirajuddin Haqqani, who billion,” the minister said, adding that these airports are to According to unclassified U.S. documents, the ‘mujahideen’ Americans backed in was appointed deputy head of the Afghan be constructed through public private partnership (PPP). during 1970s, the senior Haqqani returned 1980s to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Taliban last year, has been actively running The government plans to put it in public domain for anyone to Afghanistan following the completion of the day-to-day operations of the group. Ac- interested in building infrastructures or airports. his seminary education to organize a move- the darling of the U.S., Pakistan and Arab being sheltered and funded by the Haqqani cording to Afghan officials, Haqqani Network According to global airlines’ group International Air ment against then Afghan ruler Zahir Shah. states including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. A Network in Pakistan’s tribal region. has been responsible for most of the complex Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to overtake But he was soon thrown out of the country. former CIA chief was quoted by AP saying During the 1980s Soviet war, Haqqani terror attacks in Afghanistan, especially in Germany, Japan, Spain and the UK within the next 10 years He went back to Pakistan and established that he personally delivered suitcases full developed close connections with Pakistan’s major cities. to become the world’s third largest air passenger market. a madrassa in North Waziristan. of money to Haqqani, whom he described formidable intelligence agency ISI. The Considering that the senior Haqqani had IATA has projected that by 2037, there would be almost In 1980s, he allied with the U.S. forces as “one of the good ones.” connection, according to many strategic stepped aside some years ago and was not 520 million passengers flying to, from and within India each to fight the communist government in Ka- During the war against Soviets in Afghani- affairs experts, has grown stronger over the anymore involved in Haqqani Network’s day- year. “In 2010, 79 million people traveled to/from or within bul backed by Russia, and that shot him stan, Haqqani and Bin Laden became close years. After the communist government in to-day operations, his death is less likely to India. By 2017 that doubled to 158 million. That number is to prominence in militant circles. He was confidants, as both had signed up to fight Kabul was overthrown by the U.S.-backed have any impact on the group’s activities. expected to treble to 520 million by 2037,” it noted. supplied with both money and arms by for the CIA. The head of Al-Qaeda Ayman ‘mujahideen’, Haqqani served as justice With or without senior Haqqani, the murky the U.S. during that period and became al-Zawahiri was also one of the fighters, now minister in ‘mujahideen government’, war is likely to continue. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 ANALYSIS & INTERVIEW 7

Why is Trump worried about ‘U.S. knows it cannot afford direct confrontation with McCain’s death? Iran’ By Hanif Ghaffari The third point is that Trump is extremely worried about the formation of a coalition of TEHRAN — President of the United States, “Democrats” and “dissatisfied Republicans”. Donald Trump, is worried about the death of McCain had been associated with the Democrats Arizona Senator John McCain. This concern over his opposition to some government bills has intensified in recent days and has been during his time at the Senate. This issue could affected by various factors. Accordingly, there be intensified in the future, if the Democrats are some points that need to be addressed and succeed to win the Senate Majority. analyzed: It should not be forgotten that the Repub- Firstly, John McCain was the symbol of licans’ possible defeat in the mid-term elec- protest among traditional Republicans against tions will result in new divisions among them Donald Trump. McCain, as an important sen- which would definitely affect the presidential ator in the Republican Party, was opposed to elections in 2020. Under such circumstances, the presence of Trump at the top of the po- some traditional Republicans will have to make litical and executive equations of the United distinctions between themselves and Trump, States from the very beginning. The animus just to prevent their failure in the upcoming between McCain and Trump stems, in part, Two unnamed White House officials said that term elections and the subsequent atmosphere elections, and even accompany the Democrats from a controversial statement that Trump before the senator’s death, McCain’s family asked in the United States. The current president of against the current president of the United made during in 2015. Trump not to attend the funeral. Throughout the United States is well aware that he will have States. That’s a hard hit for Trump and his “He’s not a war hero,” “He was captured Trump’s presidency, McCain was an outspo- two years of continuous challenge ahead at companions in the White House. TEHRAN (Tasnim) — The “hawks” in the Donald Trump ad- … Does being captured make you a hero? I ken critic of current U.S. leader’s actions. He the White House in case the Republicans are Ultimately, the president of the United ministration are fully aware that their country “cannot afford” don’t know. I’m not sure,” Trump said about was one of three Republican senators to vote defeated in the Congress elections. States is worried about the subsequences of any direct military confrontation with the Islamic Republic, an McCain, who was a Vietnam veteran and a against Trump’s plan to repeal Obama care. He knows well that he may even be in- McCain’s death. He worries that the death of American political commentator said. prisoner of war. McCain has been able to form McCain’s negative vote has led to Trump’s volved in an official impeachment that in turn, the American Republican senator will create a “…They (American hawks) know also, the U.S. cannot afford the Republican opposition to Trump inside the failure in achieving his goal. Trump’s anger would lead to dismissal of power. Under such new wave of “political-social” dissatisfaction. a direct confrontation with Iran,” John Steppling, who is based party. This he did through influencing people over the Arizona Senator remains strong even circumstances, McCain’s death could play a Many American media are also contributing to in Norway, told the Tasnim News Agency in an interview. like Lindsay Graham, Jeff Flake and some other after his death! The president of the United significant role in the formation of the “Re- this worry. Most of America’s news sources have “So I don’t see anything happening right away,” he said, add- Republican senators. States refused to issue a formal statement on publican opposition to Trump” in American praised McCain’s character and named him as ing, “And Trump has a lot of other problems at the moment.” McCain himself asked former Presidents the McCain’s death, and instead he tweeted society. And ultimately, it provides the ground a hero trying to institutionalize his opposition Steppling is a well-known author, playwright and an origi- Barack Obama and George W. Bush to give a message in this regard. for Democrats to win Senate elections (which to Trump as a “political” policy in American nal founding member of the Padua Hills Playwrights Festival, eulogies at his funeral. President Donald Trump, Secondly, Donald Trump is worried about is more important than the House of Repre- society. Therefore, the U.S. president’s concerns a two-time NEA recipient, Rockefeller Fellow in theater, and however, was not even invited. the impact of John McCain’s death on the mid- sentatives). over McCain’s death are not unreasonable. PEN-West winner for playwriting. He is also a regular political commentator for a number of media outlets around the world. Following is the full text of the interview: As you know, the U.S. government’s hostility toward Iran Shaath: Israeli army trained Saudi forces, deployed has recently entered a new stage. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has formed a dedicated group to coordinate and run the country’s policy towards Iran following U.S. President Donald Gaza scenario in Yemeni cities Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Pompeo announced the creation of the Iran Action Group TEHRAN (FNA) — Political analyst Saeb Shaath says the Arabia with arms despite international criticism with regard (IAG) at a news conference, naming Brian Hook, the Department Saudis turned to the Israeli military for help and the Zionists to civilian casualties? of State’s director of policy planning, as its head. What do you trained them with “their Nazi tactics” and deployed the Gaza A: Yemen is significant to the western imperialists’ desire think about the group and its objectives and do you think that it scenario in major areas of Yemen. for global domination. The British empire used to manage the would be able to reach its goals? Dr. Shaath, in an exclusive interview with FNA, said that logistics of its colonies from Australia to India from Eden in A: It’s amazing when you think about it, that the entire nar- the Saudi forces, trained by the Israelis, deployed the Gaza Yemen. It’s important for the British to help the Americans and rative since the last election in the U.S. has been about Russian scenario on Yemeni cities by imposing land, naval and air block- Saudis in keeping Yemen impoverished and in turmoil that interference in the political process. The whole story is fictitious ade aimed at collectively punishing the civilian population to cannot exist without international handouts. For the British but that hasn’t stopped it becoming the main storyline for almost steer their anger against the resistance forces, as the cause for government and its military industry it’s a money-making war all mainstream media. their sufferings. And the scenario once failed in Gaza is now and a free ride to test its weapons in Yemen. And yet here you have an illegal group that has as its stated failing in Yemen. Why have the international organizations, particularly goal the overthrow of a sovereign nation. The contradiction is Commenting on the British arms sale to Saudi Arabia, the the UN, remained passive in the face of the ongoing Saudi breathtaking, really. But Pompeo is a rabid Islamophobe and analyst said that the British government considers the Saudi atrocities? a Christian extremist. Still, this was going behind the scenes war on Yemen as an opportunity to make money and the poor A: The Chinese and Russian position on the UN Security anyway, now it is out in the open at least. Arab country a place to test its weapons. Council regarding Yemen is not even keeping up with the two The Trump administration recently threatened to cut Ira- Dr. Saeb Shaath is an author, a Middle East political ex- great powers’ own national security interests. Since independent, nian oil exports to zero, saying that countries must stop buying pert and a former Palestinian diplomat. He is currently the free and Sovereign Yemen is going to influence the geopolitical its oil from Nov. 4 or face financial consequences. Washington chairman of Palestine Aid organization and the co-founder dynamics not just for Arabia but it will have a global geopolit- later softened its threat, saying that it would allow reduced oil of Irish Map (Medical Aid for Palestine), said to be having sphere of domination. 2. To loot its many resources. 3. To ical influence, mainly in reducing and limiting the American flows of Iranian oil, in certain cases. Since oil is a strategic product an excellent impact on improving the Palestinian health impose de-develop on the country. 4, To annex Hadramawt dominant influence on Arabian sea and the Red Sea, which and countries around the world always demand it, do you think facilities in Gaza. to Al Saud’s kingdom, that’s because of its geopolitical impor- will be advantageous to all sovereign nations. that the U.S. is able to carry out this threat at all? FNA has conducted an interview with Dr. Shaath about tance which can reduce the strategic significance of the Strait The airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition have mostly A: This is an interesting question. How much will the NATO the ongoing Saudi aggression on Yemen and possible motives of Hormuz, to the west and Saudis. killed Yemeni civilians, including thousands of women and nations of Europe push back against the Trump decree? I don’t behind the war imposed on the impoverished Arab country by Moreover, the Al Saud and its western masters, do not want children. What do you think is the reason for the airstrikes know. Clearly, Germany, in particular, is very unhappy. But Eu- Saudi Arabia and its western allies. the people of Arabia specifically of the Eastern provinces, to targeting civilians? rope basically functions as a series of vassal states to the U.S. Below you will find the full text of the interview. deploy the Yamani’s tactics, to become sovereign over their A: Western backed Saudi war of aggression and the 3 and They will do what they are told in the end. I think more likely is What do you think about the ongoing humanitarian country and its wealth, that scenario represents an immense a half years long blockade on Yemen and the recent criminal that this whole embargo crisis in Yemen caused by the Saudi war and the blockade on blow to the western imperialists design for global domina- military offensive on the city of Hodeida with a population of is just too much trouble the country? tion. Losing the Saudi milking cow, which is essential with 600,000 are all designed to starve the entire population of German Foreign for the Trump adminis- A: Since the Saudi coalition and its mercenaries do not have its strategic geopolitical importance, to the current American Yemen. The western powers assisted the Saudi coalition in Minister Heiko tration. There is an inter- the expertise of conducting an urban warfare or asymmetric empire’s regional and global destabilizing strategy, it provided manufacturing the worst humanitarian catastrophe the world esting question looming warfare; they resorted to extensive usage of air power, with its effectiveness against the former Soviet Union, Naser’s Egypt, ever witnessed. The UN humanitarian organizations and aid Maas recently in just how much of the intense attacks, targeting civilian infrastructure, hospitals, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Iran. agencies are warning of the genocidal consequences from the said Europe Pentagon and CIA focus schools and residential areas. The air campaign designed to It seems that the Saudis expected an easy-to-win combat assault on the only food and medicine entry point left in Yemen. should set up is on how Iran, how much inflect the maximum destruction and to starve the entire people when they first stepped into the war. What do you see as the UN agencies stated that ‘20 million people in Yemen are facing on China, and how much of Yemen into submission reasons for Riyadh’s continued failure in Yemen? imminent starvation’. payment systems on Russia. Each is a dif- The only fit description to the brutal war of aggression on A: The Saudi war of aggression on Yemen has failed to achieve From the early days of Saudi war of agnation on Yemen independent ferent problem from the Yemen is ‘genocide’. Today there are 20 million people in Yem- its major goal, or to take control of major cities. The Saudis we have witnessed the coalition’s airstrikes targeting civil perspective of the U.S. I en facing imminent starvation; due to the 3 and a half years resorted to the Israeli military Generals and their Nazi tactics, infrastructure and civilians including thousands of women of the U.S. if it think Trump, personal- long blockade and the military offensive by the USA, western as mercenaries, they trained the Saudi forces and deployed the and children displace the people internally and push them wants to save the ly, fears China the most. backed Saudi-Emirati coalition on the port city of Hodeida; the Gaza scenario on major areas of Yemen, imposing land, naval to flee Yemen, and mount enormous pressure on the Yemeni JCPOA. They have the economic entry point for 85-90 percent of all food and medical supplies and air blockade, engendering starvation, to achieve a slow army and the Houthis’ revolutionary committee, while driving upper hand. But the real into Yemen. genocide, while subjecting the Yeminis to collective punishment, a wedge between them and the people, as if they are the cause crime for any official U.S. enemy is independence. Look at China, What are the Saudis’ objectives in their war on Yemen? aiming at steering people’s anger against the Houthis and the of the people’s misery and suffering. The end game is to push Iran, Russia, Venezuela, the DPRK, Syria, and Cuba. Each rejects A: The Saudi regime and its American masters are adamant Yemeni army, as the instigators of their hardship, they failed the Yemeni army and the Houthis to surrender in return for U.S. imperialist aims. Each rejects Western capital and all those in defeating the free independent and sovereign Yemen. to defeat the Gazans and are failing in Yemen. the Saudi coalition halting its criminal assault on the civilians, international financial organizations. That’s the only crime any For many reasons: 1. To bring Yemen back to the Saudi’s Why do the U.S. and the UK continue to supply Saudi to impose a total defeat on Yemen. of them have committed. Trump’s threat is part of his walking away from the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action U.S., Israeli military aggression in Syria doomed to failure (JCPOA). He also plans to fully reinstate anti-Tehran sanctions from November 4. In the meantime, the EU has vowed to counter TEHRAN (FNA) — The U.S. and Israeli and Damascus will fail to deter them from inside Syria regularly over the past several the Middle East. They are the reason why war Trump’s renewed sanctions on Iran, including by means of a new regimes are yet to understand the weakness fighting terrorism. years, again generally on claims of an Iranian and terrorism continue to grow. Their entire law to shield European companies from punitive measures. Ger- and limits of their military force and aggres- In a meeting in Damascus on Monday, presence. This should come as surprise to no stock of colonial aggression and relationship man Foreign Minister Heiko Maas recently said Europe should sion in Syria. September 3, Zarif and Assad said Western one, seeing that both the United States and is inadmissible and improper at a time when set up payment systems independent of the U.S. if it wants to Israeli military leaders are telling the press governments would not be able to deter Iran Israel have no faith in International Law and post-ISIL Syria wants to rebuild itself and save the JCPOA. that they intend to escalate their strikes against and Syria from defending their principles, International Humanitarian Law. the international civil society is prepared to What do you think about the EU’s role in reducing Washing- Syria, particularly against so-called Irani- the interests of the two nations, and the se- Quite the opposite, the U.S. has left the UN help. This might better explain why millions ton’s pressures against Tehran and saving the deal? an-linked targets, in the days to come, and curity and stability of the entire region. The Human Rights Council over its criticism of take out to the streets in the Middle-East to A: Yes well, this is again a question about how much spine that they intend to do so even if they violate two sides emphasized that the U.S. policy Israel and is in defunding of the UN Relief and only do one thing, chant ‘Death to the U.S.’, Europe will show. And maybe I’m being cynical suggesting they deals with Russia in some cases. of threat and pressure shows its failure to Works Agency (UNRWA), the aid agency for ‘Death to Israel’. won’t show any, for after all a lot of money is going to be poten- As always, there is no justification behind achieve its goals in the Middle East. They Palestinian refugees. The US fully defunded Which is to say the American-Israeli wars tially lost. But this issue of payments raises the question of the such illegal specific strikes, and the apart- also said the Syrian people and government UNRWA on Friday. The Israeli-driven policy have never been fought for the sake of justice power of the Dollar vs the Yuan or any other. And here China is, heid regime’s leaders rarely admit to specific forces will definitely achieve a final victory in of US defunding came almost immediately and democracy, or the people. Personal spite again, very powerful. strikes, let alone why they are carried out. the battle against terrorism in Idlib. after a call from Prime Minister Benjamin and systematic racism, arms race and occu- The U.S. wants to have some form of proxy conflict -- that’s In general, however, Israel attacks Syrian Some might assume this would be more Netanyahu to do so. pation, the ambition of military professionals Bolton’s style. And you can bet he wants a false flag regards military targets, and especially any they have than enough to convince Israeli officials that If the humiliating experience of military and the protection of American-Zionist geo- Syria to justify more direct military action there. At the same claimed have secret Iranian links in the past, their force and aggression will get them no- campaigns in Vietnam, Iraq, Syria and South- political ventures are the real moving powers. time, the real fear is about China and its financial power. And with little or no success at all. Israel also does where in Syria. Far from it. They are now ern Lebanon is any indication, the Amer- That’s why their force and aggression have I think Washington senses this shift toward Russia and China so with full military-diplomatic support from signaling that they are prepared to attack ican-Israeli force might start wars posing failed to bring Syria to its knees. and Iran globally. Washington. Iraq over Iran’s alleged missile sites, with as a dominant military power, but what it The Americans and the Zionists should The promise of a future, let alone a better future, lies in For instance, together with the United Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman saying earns is, at most, some short lived victories have the moral courage, this time, to remind that direction and away from the U.S. There is no question States, Israel continues to use military force Israel is “not limiting ourselves just to Syrian in a number of battles and not an ultimate themselves that their unjustified violence the U.S. is nervous if not desperate and the danger is that and aggression in Syria, but they have failed territory” with its attacks! victory in the war. In all these wars, the U.S. against Syria is a form of bankruptcy for them hawks like Pompeo and Mattis and Bolton are in positions to stop the Syrian Army and its allies from Iraq has offered no statement on the new and Israeli armies have failed to end their all, even for those who are confident that of great influence and each is most happy when bombs are launching the new campaign to liberate the allegations, but has already insisted they are military quest with a crushing victory and they are right. All of them will emerge from falling somewhere. And yet, they know also, the U.S. cannot terror-held province of Idlib. In this respect, not hosting any Iranian missiles. Still, that retreated after being humiliated, losing the this new military campaign internationally, afford a direct confrontation with Iran. So I don’t see anything Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian seems not to be enough for Israel and the wars ultimately. Their militarism has been by regionally and morally more condemned and happening right away. And Trump has a lot of other problems Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif U.S. to at least not to attack Iraq. far the commonest cause of the humanitarian humiliated than they began it, and certainly at the moment. I think we will learn soon if Trump really has say the Israeli-American pressure on Tehran In any event, Israel has been attacking sites crises and the breakdown of many nations in farther from the illicit goals they had in mind. any say at all in foreign policy. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 ADVERTISEMENTS SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 6, 6, 2018 2018 HEALTHADVERTISEMENT 9

What are the health risks How to check your heart age: Ways to determine the likelihood of a stroke or heart attck

Public Health England (PHE) is urging adults over the age of hookah smoking? of 30 to check their heart age via an online test that will enable them to see how at risk they are of having a heart attack or stroke. A hookah is a water pipe that allows a person However, the University of Cincinnati The call for taking the test comes after PHE revealed that to smoke tobacco, often combining it with report early research that a team of its four-fifths (78 per cent) of adults in England had a heart age sweet flavors, such as apple, chocolate, co- chemists is doing to look at the compo- higher than their real age. conut, licorice, or watermelon. nents of smoke generated by e-charcoal. Doctors have subsequently warned that those with a heart age People have used hookahs for centuries The researchers say they have found that higher than their real age are at risk of “an early grave or ending in ancient Persia and India. Today, people e-charcoal smoke kills 80 percent of sample up very disabled later in life”. often smoke a hookah as a group, at home lung cells 24 hours after exposure. Professor Jamie Waterall, national lead for cardiovascular or in cafes or lounges This risk is more significant than the disease at PHE, said: “Millions are at risk of cardiovascular dis- Other names for a hookah include water higher-toxin charcoal the team tested, ease but don’t know it, putting themselves at real risk of suffering pipe, narghile, or shisha, the latter being a which kills 25 percent of lung cells. The ill-health or dying younger. word that can also refer to the flavored tobacco. lower-toxin charcoal was found to kill 10 “Knowing your heart age is a simple way of finding out whether Some people have misconceptions that percent of sample lung cells. you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke. hookah smoking is not harmful to their health As a result, the researchers conclude that “By making important lifestyle changes you can reduce your or not as dangerous as other smoking types. e-charcoal hookah options could potential- risk before it’s too late.” In this article, we look at the health risks ly be more dangerous than their charcoal So, how easy is it to find out your heart age? It turns out, there associated with hookah smoking. counterparts. are a variety of ways:

Health risks of hookah smoking More published scientific research is now 1. Take PHE’s ‘Heart Age Test’ A hookah has several universal compo- needed to confirm these early results. The Heart Age Test is an online tool created by the NHS, PHE, nents, including a water bowl, metal body, a Hookah myths UCL and the British Heart Foundation. head with holes in the bottom, and a flexible Some hookah bars sell non-tobacco prod- It consists of 16 questions, asking for your age, height, weight, hose with a mouthpiece. ucts, which they may advertise as having no gender, ethnicity and post code among other factors. It also takes The device works by burning charcoal harmful effects. This is a myth, as the smoke into consideration lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, blood that will then burn a tobacco mixture, still contains carbon monoxide, a harmful pressure and cholesterol. as well as heat up the water. The smoke compound, and other toxins. You must be over the age of 30 to take the test and must not the charcoal generates helps move the While some people believe hookah Other myths about hookah smoking have a history of cardiovascular disease. tobacco through the water and hose and smoking is a safer and more social include: If your heart age is higher than your real age, the tool will give up to the mouthpiece Hookah smoking is not addictive. Hookah you advice on how to lower it. It will also give you a percentage Using a hookah exposes a person to tobacco alternative to smoking tobacco, it does smoke contains nicotine, a highly addictive which reveals your chance of having a heart attack or stroke over smoke, which contains harmful components, not offer health benefits and poses compound. the next 10 years. such as carbon monoxide. The water in the The water in hookah smoke filters harm- several significant health risks. Thus far, the test has been completed more than 1.9 million times. hookah does not filter out these components. ful ingredients. The water in hookah smoke 2. Get tested by Cardiac Risk in the Young Even if a person does not smoke directly does not filter out any harmful chemicals. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) offers a free heart screening from the hookah, they can still inhale sec- mouthpiece with others. hookah session. Cigarettes «burn» the lungs because they Hookah vs. cigarettes Also, smoking a hookah delivers programme to aimed at those aged 14 to 35. ondhand smoke if they are nearby. use heat, and hookah smoke is cooler, so it Formed in 1995, CRY is a charity which supports young people According to the Centers for Disease Con- more than 2.5 times the amount the Some of the potential health effects does not burn. Smoke from a hookah can diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions by of hookah smoke include: trol and Prevention (CDC), smoking tobacco nicotine as cigarette smoke, according still damage the heart and lungs, even after through a hookah has «many of the same to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, developing screening programmes and funding medical research. Complications of lung function, such cooling down. The organisation is funded by families whose members have been as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease health risks as cigarette smoking.» quoting research lead by the University Takeaway For example, the tobacco smoke still of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. This affected by deaths due to cardiac-related diseases; the screenings (COPD) and bronchitis. While some people believe hookah are available across the UK and can be booked online. Increased risk of heart conditions, such delivers nicotine, a highly addictive sub- volume of nicotine has the potential to smoking is a safer and more social alter- stance. Hookah smoke also requires charcoal be highly addictive. Usually taking no longer than 15 minutes, each screening as heart disease and heart attack. native to smoking tobacco, it does not offer will comprise of a medical history questionnaire and an ECG Increased risk of cancer, especially lung, to be burnt, which interacts with tobacco, Electric heat hookahs health benefits and poses several significant creating fumes that can be just as toxic as Manufacturers have released newer ver- (electrocardiogram). throat, and mouth cancer. health risks. Afterwards, the doctor will sit down with the patient to talk Premature skin aging, since smoking to- cigarette smoke. sions of hookahs that use electric heat instead Hookah smoking also puts other people People who use a hookah may be exposed of charcoal. The makers call these e-charcoal patients through the results. bacco can decrease the amount of oxygen at risk of inhaling secondhand smoke. If anything has been picked up, the patient will be fast-tracked that reaches the skin. to the toxins in the smoke longer than if they heat sources and often market them as a safer So, to reduce the risks of damaging the smoked cigarettes. alternative to traditional charcoal hookahs. to other doctors for treatment. Increased risk of infectious diseases, such lungs and other organs, it is best for peo- According to data collected by CRY, 1 in 300 people screened as mononucleosis and oral herpes. According to the CDC, a person puffs on The CDC say that experts have very little ple to avoid smoking tobacco products, a cigarette an average of 20 times, but they knowledge about the health risks of electronic will have life-threatening cardiac conditions. People may also increase their risk of res- including by using a hookah. (Source: The Independent) piratory infections if they share the hookah may take 200 puffs during an hour-long tobacco products at this stage. (Source: Medical News Today)

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Agreement inked in favor of U.S. returns exquisite travel startups Achaemenid relief to Iran HERITAGE TEHRAN – On Tuesday, an exquisite deskAchaemenid-era relief, which is estimated to be worth $1.2-million, was handed back to Iran under a rule laid down by a U.S. court back in June. The bas-relief is an eight-inch-square piece of carved limestone that was part of a long line of soldiers depicted on a balustrade at the central building on the Persepolis site. It dates to the Achaemenid dynasty — or the First Persian Empire — and experts said it was made sometime between 510 and 330 BC, when Persepolis was sacked by Alexander the Great. The object, valued at $1.2 million, was reported stolen from Iran in 1936 and stolen later in 2011 from the Montreal TOURISM TEHRAN — Iran’s tourism body has signed a Museum of Fine Arts, to which it had been donated decades deskmemorandum of understanding (MOU) with earlier. It was confiscated in October from the Park Avenue the labor ministry on Monday in a bid to strengthen support for Armory in New York, where it was being offered for sale at tourism startups. an art fair. The MOU was inked by the deputy director of the Cultural The artifact was handed to Gholamali Khoshroo, Iran’s Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Mohammad ambassador to the UN, following some 80 years of being Moheb-Khodaei, and the deputy labor minister, Isa Mansouri, CHTN reported. Addressing the signing ceremony, Moheb-Khodaei voiced hope that the MOU would be a means to draw plans and models for tourism development and to unluck untapped potential in the sector. The next step is to devise a detailed plan of action in order to Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Gholamali Khoshroo, is seen sitting beside the Persian artifact at the Islamic Republic’s put into practice new ideas in the [tourism] field and to boost diplomatic office in New York, September 4, 2018. cooperation with other ministries and organizations, he added. Mansouri, for his part, attached great importance to the tourism in exile changing hands among smugglers. adding that it took investigators 11 months to disprove the businesses, saying “Tourism is one if the important subsets of “I’m very pleased that today, a very important cultural ownership allegations by the artifact’s self-proclaimed owners. the service [industry] so we have special attention to this area.” item that was smuggled from Iran was delivered to me by Khoshroo expressed gratitude towards both the judge Iran has launched extensive plans to bolster its tourism market. the District Attorney of New York County,” Khoshroo told and the district attorney for their cooperation leading to Under a 2025 Vision Plan, the country is expecting to increase Press TV. the repatriation of the artifact. the number of international arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 He said the artifact -- which depicts a Persian imperial “The humanity’s general heritage is comprised of these A 1933 photograph of an excavation of the ruins of Persepolis to 20 million. guard holding a spear -- would be transferred to Iran “soon,” very cultural and historical works. There should be vast in Iran. The bas-relief of a soldier from these ruins, which according to IRNA. cooperation on the international scale to confront smuggling was seized at a Manhattan art fair last year, was ordered The Iranian envoy said the country presented documents of cultural artifacts and items, and the institutions active in to be returned to Iran on July 23, 2018. pointing to its ownership of the work in order to stop its sale, the endeavor should be reinforced,” he explained. Private sector to revive, operate historical houses in Shiraz Parthian, Sassanid tombs discovered in northern Iran HERITAGE TEHRAN — A total of 39 tombs year] 1395, Jahani said in June. deskand catacombs dating back to Par- The excavations yielded helpful cultural information thian (247 BC–224 CE) and Sassanid (224 CE-651) in archaeology anthropology and ancient botanist eras have recently been discovered in Liar-Sang-Bon, arenas. A field research in 2016 led to the discovery an archaeological site in Amlash, northern Iran. of funerary and stone architectural objects and that Radiocarbon dating tests indicated that the estimated to date from the Parthian and Sassanid eras. tombs, which have been come in various shapes, However, the site was partly looted by antique date from mid-Sassanid to mid-Parthian eras, IRNA seekers during a two-year gap in archaeological sea- quoted the project’s leader Vali Jahani as saying sons, the senior archaeologist stated. on Tuesday. Earlier in July, another team of archaeologists Liar-Sang-Bon was initially identified in [the Ira- discovered over 500 tomb chambers dating from nian calendar year] 1391 (March 2012-March 2013) Achaemenid (550 –330 BC) and Sassanid eras, while its related mapping and demarcating projects during a magnetic survey conducted across the were completed in [the calendar year] 1393 and its Mehdiabad-Oliya cemetery, southeastern Ker- HERITAGE TEHRAN — A total of 28 houses in the city first season of excavation commenced in [the calendar man province. deskof Shiraz, including 11 historical ones, are to be ceded to the private sector with the aim of receiving better conservation through repurposing them into thriving eco-lodges or other profitable niches. Morocco’s ancient historic Tangier city revived All the houses are owned by the Revitalization and Utiliza- tion Fund for Historical Places (known by its Persian acronym Inhabitants of the northern Moroccan city Medina there are synagogues, Catholic church- tourist Mike Owen noted. Tangier’s fame as a destination for artists Saabta), Mehr reported. of Tangier’s amazing creativity has birth an es, zaouias and mosques”, said owner of a As sign of tourism development, a multi- and writers from Europe and the United “The houses are set to be utilized as boutique hotels, handi- exciting scenery of aesthetics that has given cultural cafe in the Tangier Medina and art national transport company Alsa, manages States during the 90’s appeared lost in crafts and souvenir marketplaces, traditional houses as well as the ancient city a dynamic face-lift. lover, Younes Cheik Ali. urban buses. The company has just launched recent past, the story is told differently in recreational, cultural and sports centers,” said Mosayeb Amiri, The city built on the slops of a chalky Beyond the ecstatic, the imperial of the two tours for double-decker buses and has recent times as many writers still troop in Fars province’s tourism chief. limestone hill, enclosed by 16th century huge red bus that borders the historic facades, seen an increase in the number of tourists. their numbers. To date, tens of historical monuments have been handed over rampant now glows with Murals, colorful tourists discover the old Tangier, while a Farid Othman Bentria Ramos is a writer “Many writers who have visited Tangier to the private investor across the country to make the best use facades, flowery streets that are repainted crowd of holidaymakers rush on the new ledge. and resident in Tangier. have written about the city, each in their of them under contracts for restoration, maintenance and op- in green and purple. “It’s superb …”, said Michal Linsi Tang, “Tangier has a heterogeneous history, own way, the same thing for painters, and eration. It also caters to local economy, and job creation as well. Houses now display different colors a 19-year-old Chinese student, aboard the very cosmopolitan and you have to touch more than 400 artists have painted paint- Iran is home to abundant historical structures such as man- and flower pots are placed at the doors and tourist bus that has been traveling since the all that, even the mythology: that’s why we ings that can be seen today in international sions, caravanserais, bathhouses and madrasas to name a few. windows. end of July to the beloved city of so many divided the course into two routes. Tangier museums”, Ali said. “Tangier had a special system that opened painters and writers, at the forefront of Africa. was between two capes, the Cape of Malabata Gradually, the city is taking a pace which its doors to many cultures, ethnicity and “It’s very cool, I can enjoy all the views and the cape Spartel, and you have to go to appears that more is yet to come. ROUND THE GLOBE religions around the world, and in the old of the city here on the bus floor, it’s great”, both “, Ramos said. (Source: africanews.com) Tower of London Five tips to give kids some culture and a vacation

The Tower of London is an internationally famous monument and one of England’s most iconic structures. William the at the same time Conqueror built the White Tower in 1066 as a demonstration Traveling with the whole family is a great way to open your to entertain tourists, but also to explain local history and of Norman power, siting it strategically on the River Thames children’s eyes to a world beyond their front door — but that cultural traditions to people interesting in learning more to act as both fortress and gateway to the capital. doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, too. Here’s how. about them. . “Even a little glimpse into local music and dance It is the most complete example of an 11th century fortress “Of course you want your children to have fun on your will deepen your child’s understanding and connection to palace remaining in Europe. A rare survival of a continuous- family vacation, but why not give them a flavor of the local where he or she is,” Ms. O’Connell said. ly developing ensemble of royal buildings, from the 11th to culture while they’re doing so?,” said Niamh O’Connell, Get out to where people really live 16th centuries, the Tower of London has become one of the vice president of guest experience at Rosewood Hotel While every traveler wants to hit the big attractions, tour- symbols of royalty. Group. “When kids have some understanding of the des- ist traps aren’t where locals spend their time, and they’re It also fostered the development of several of England’s tination they’re in, their trip becomes more memorable not where you and your family will get a feel for the culture major State institutions, incorporating such fundamental roles and enriching,” she said. “It goes beyond the usual fun of your destination. Instead, take your kids to play where as the nation’s defense, its record-keeping and its coinage. in the sun escape.” the local kids play, and visit community centers away from It has been the setting for key historical events in European Ms. O’Connell is the brain behind Rosewood’s new Ex- tourist centers, where more interesting — and engaging — plorers program for children, which focuses on giving young activities take place. guests a cultural experience during their stay, and has advice “Kids can best experience local culture by going where on how to do the same for your kids when you travel, too. local kids go,” Ms. O’Connell said. Visit neighborhood parks Seek out local arts and crafts instead of the ones near the city center. Join local sporting While markets are full of trinkets to buy and bring home, activities if you can find a pickup game — it’s another great crafting these items with your kids will help teach them way to immerse your kids in the locale. A game of soccer, about the local culture and customs of your destination. beach volleyball or boulle can be the beginning of a new “Arts and crafts inspire creativity and also build empathy international friendship. for cultural differences,” Ms. O’Connell said. Look for a hotel with a culture-rich children’s If you’re in Thailand, for example, try making and flying teach private ones upon request. Similarly, many places program traditional chula or pakpao kites. Other activities include globally have local cooking classes for children, some at Historically, children’s clubs and activities at hotels usually creating clay sculptures modeled on the local wildlife, or culinary schools and others in the home kitchens of local included run-of-the-mill activities like cupcake decorating, making potpourri from local leaves and flowers. Both activ- hosts. Ms. O’Connell suggested looking for classes that in- and painting. Now, many hotel companies and resorts have ities will help kids get familiar with indigenous animals and volve a trip to a market so your children can get involved in introduced programs for kids that give them the opportunity history, including the execution of three English queens. plants. Check with your hotel concierge or travel agent, or picking the ingredients for the food they make, and learn to explore the cultural riches of a destination. As the setting for key historical events in European his- search TripAdvisor for local arts fairs, craft events for kids, more about the local plants and produce. Look for a property that offers immersive activities which tory: The Tower has been the setting for some of the most or local artisans that open their shops to visitors eager to Tune in to local music and dance take kids out to see their surroundings — it could be hitting momentous events in European and British History. Its role as learn about the culture, not just shop for souvenirs. Exposure to local music and dance gives kids (and adults) the beach to learn about ocean life or getting out into the a stage upon which history has been enacted is one of the key Take a cooking class and visit a market a sense of a location’s traditions, culture and history. Try city to visit a market, museum or other cultural site. Check elements which has contributed towards the Tower’s status Taking a cooking class where your kids learn how to make tango lessons in Argentina, for example, taking in a Flamenco with your hotel before you book to see what activities they as an iconic structure. typical local dishes is a fantastic way for them to learn more performance in Spain, or watching a Haka, or traditional have for kids, or do a quick web search or TripAdvisor search (Source: UNESCO) about the heritage and culture of the region you’re visiting. war dance, in New Zealand. for leads. Many hotels and resorts offer kids cooking classes or will In most cases, these traditional dances aren’t just done (Source: The New York Times) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 SCIENCE 11

First known omnivorous shark Fish passes scientific test of self-awareness, scientists species identified, team finds announce It is one of the most radical rebrandings in giving it a distinctive chemical signature. A little fish just passed a classic scientific test of self-awareness history: contrary to their bloodthirsty image, The researchers next caught five bonnet- by recognizing itself in a mirror, scientists have announced. The some sharks are not irrepressible meat eaters, head sharks and brought them back to the cleaner wrasse fish, which measures around 10cm in length, was but are happy to munch on vegetation too. lab. Once the fish had settled in, they were recorded attempting to remove a mark that had been placed on According to U.S. researchers, one of the fed on a three week diet of the seagrass and its forehead while looking in a mirror —seemingly realizing it most common sharks in the world, a relative squid. All of the fish put on weight over the was looking at a reflection of itself and understanding something of the hammerhead which patrols the shores course of the study. was wrong. of the Americas, is the first variety of shark Tests on the sharks The mirror self-recognition test is a hallmark of animal intel- to be outed as a bona fide omnivore. The scientists then ran a series of tests ligence. As of yet, only a relatively small group of animals have The bonnethead shark is abundant in the on the sharks. These showed that the fish passed it. These include apes, elephants, dolphins and crows. shallow waters of the eastern Pacific, the successfully digested the seagrass with en- However, Masanori Kohda, from Osaka City University in Japan, Western Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico, zymes that broke down components of the and colleagues are considering whether the test itself is flawed where they feed on crab, shrimp, snails and plants, such as starch and cellulose. Lacking and that other animals we traditionally think of as having limited bony fish. Though small by shark standards, the kind of teeth best suited for mastication, cognitive abilities are actually far more intelligent than we think. adult females – the larger of the sexes – can the fish may rely on strong stomach acids to To find out if fish could pass the test, they constructed an still reach an impressive five feet long. weaken the plants’ cells so the enzymes can experiment where cleaner wrasses were placed in view of a mir- Scientists at the University of California in have their digestive effects. In all, more than ror. Initially, they reacted territorially, as if their reflection were Irvine, and Florida International University half of the organic material locked up in the another fish. However, over the course of several days, their in Miami, decided to investigate the sharks’ it digests and retains nutrients from.” they re-planted it. As the seagrass took root, seagrass was digested by the sharks, putting behavior began to change. Instead of warning off their reflection, dietary habits after reading reports of the fish To see whether the sharks are truly flexi- the researchers added sodium bicarbonate them on a par with young green sea turtles. they began to act differently, approaching it at different angles chomping on seagrass, the flowering marine tarian, the scientists retrieved sea grass from powder made with a specific carbon isotope to The findings, published in Proceedings of or from upside-down. plant that forms subsea meadows in some Florida Bay and hauled it back to the lab where the water. This was taken up by the seagrass, the Royal Society B, overturn the idea that all The researchers say this means the cleaner wrasse has passed coastal waters. sharks are exclusive meat-eaters, but that is the mirror self-recognition test—and that “this remarkable find- Nutritional value Scientists have decided to investigate not all. “This has implications for fragile and ing presents a challenge to our interpretation of the mark test.” “It has been assumed by most that this crucial seagrass meadow habitat manage- It means, they say, that either fish are self-aware, that the test consumption was incidental and that it pro- the sharks’ dietary habits after reading ment,” said Leigh. From now on, research- is flawed or that the fish behavior has emerged as a result of a vided no nutritional value,” said Samantha reports of the fish chomping on seagrass, ers who look after such habitats will have to cognitive process that is not self-recognition. Leigh, a researcher on the team. “I wanted factor in that bonnetheads not only eat the “Cleaner wrasses show behavioral responses that fulfill the to see how much of this seagrass diet the the flowering marine plant that forms plants, but can make seagrass as much as criteria of the mark test, but as this result does not mean they sharks could digest, because what an animal subsea meadows in some coastal waters. 60% of their diet. are self-aware, a question naturally arises. Can passing the mark consumes is not necessarily the same as what (Source: The Guardian) test be taken as evidence of self-awareness in one taxon but not another? (Source: Newsweek) Head-turning violence helps tiny Study says coral bleaching on the GBR songbirds kill big prey: study not limited to shallow depths A fundamental physics law just failed a test using nanoscale objects

Planck’s law of radiative heat transfer has held up well under a century of intense testing, but a new analysis has found it fails on the smallest of scales. Exactly what this means isn’t all that clear yet, but where laws fail, new discoveries can follow. Such a find wouldn’t just affect physics on an atomic scale – it could impact everything from climate models to our understanding of planetary formation. The foundational law of quantum physics was recently put to the test by researchers from William & Mary in Virginia and the University of Michigan, who were curious about whether the age-old rule could describe the way heat radiation was emitted by nanoscale objects. They may be small and striking, but shrikes The “rate at which the shrikes shake their A new study demonstrates that the recent extended to these dimly lit reefs, as we Not only does the law fail, the experimental result is 100 times are songbirds known for viciously impaling heads was surprising, especially with relatively mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier were hoping their depth may have provided greater than the predicted figure, suggesting nanoscale objects their victims with a razor-sharp bill although large animals in their jaws!” he said, with the Reef (GBR) was not restricted to shallow protection from this devastating event.” can emit and absorb heat with far greater efficiency than current experts have long wondered about their ability study suggesting the movement resulted in depths, but also affected deep reefs. Al- The Great Barrier Reef is known to models can explain. to subdue much larger prey. accelerations equivalent of around 6g-force. though deep reefs are often considered harbor extensive areas of deep coral reefs “It’s important to experimentally measure something, but Now researchers say these carnivorous For the study, researchers studied footage a refuge from thermal anomalies, the that are notoriously difficult to study. Using also important to actually understand what is going on.” killers use powerful beak-and-jaw motions of attacks by 37 loggerhead shrikes involving new research highlights limitations to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), the Planck is one of the big names in physics. While it’d be mis- to shake their victims vigorously, whirling live domestic black mice and other creatures. this role and argues that both shallow team deployed sensors to 328 feet beneath leading to attribute the birth of quantum mechanics to a single them around at speeds which cause injuries In 28 cases, they observed prey-shaking be- and deep reefs are under threat of mass the ocean’s surface to characterize how individual, his work played a key role in getting the ball rolling. akin to whiplash. havior with the results giving a clear indicator bleaching events. temperature conditions at depth differ Humans have known since ancient times that hot things glow “We already knew that they can kill sur- of how the birds subdued larger creatures. The study focuses on the mass bleaching from those in shallow habitats. with light. We’ve also understood for quite a while that there’s a prisingly large animals for their size, but we “They help explain how a small songbird event in 2016 that caused the death of A team of divers then conducted surveys relationship between the color of that light and its temperature. didn’t know specifically how they do it,” said is able to kill relatively large animals in ways 30% of shallow-water corals on the Great during the height of bleaching across a To study this in detail, physicists in the 19th century would Dr. Diego Sustaita, lead author of a study that differ from large raptors like hawks. Barrier Reef. It details how the impacts number of sites on the northern Great measure the color of light inside a black, heated box, watching published in Wednesday’s Biology Letters Sharply-hooked beak of this bleaching lessened over depth, Barrier Reef. They noted that overall, through a tiny hole. This ‘black body radiation’ provided a rea- journal. Shrikes have some of the ‘equipment’ like but were still substantial on deep reefs. major bleaching and mortality affected sonably precise measure of that relationship. Although shrikes have sharply hooked, the sharply-hooked beak, but not all, like “During the bleaching event, cold-wa- almost a quarter of corals at the deep Coming up with simple formulae to describe the wavelengths falcon-like beaks which they jab into the head the talons, and so they seem to have found ter upwelling initially provided cooler sampling points, while confirming pre- of color and their temperatures proved to be rather challenging, or neck of their prey, causing partial paralysis, another way to get the job done.” conditions on the deep reef,” says study vious reports of impacts on close to half and so Planck came at it from a slightly different angle. they don’t have the large talons possessed by Shrikes, he said, are disproportionately co-author Dr. Pim Bongaerts, curator of the shallower corals. (Source: sciencealert.com) other birds of prey to help them finish the job. strong for their size but their ability to kill invertebrate zoology and Hope for Reefs “Unfortunately, this research further The victim’s weight is actually more reliant on speed. co-leader at the California Academy of stresses the vulnerability of the Great Bar- But researchers at San Diego Zoo Institute “As a group, shrikes can take prey larger Sciences. “However, when this upwelling rier Reef,” says Dr. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg for Conservation Research on California’s than you would expect for their body sizes and stopped towards the end of summer, tem- from The University of Queensland, where Little star sheds light on young San Clemente Island found clear evidence ‘types’ — keep in mind, these are songbirds. peratures rose to record-high levels even the study was conducted. “We already of violent shaking in a motion which uses You wouldn’t expect a robin, for instance, to at depth.” established that the refuge role of deep planets, new research says the victim’s weight against it, Sustaita said. have the strength to kill a mouse and they Beneath the ocean’s surface reefs is generally restricted by the limited Astronomers discovered a dense disk of material around a young The “way that shrikes shake their prey don’t,” he said. Lead author Dr. Pedro Frade from the overlap in species with the shallow reef. star, which may be a precursor to a planetary system. Their re- is likely to be important for immobilizing “This particular behavior relies more Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) says However, this adds an extra limitation search could vastly improve models of how solar systems form, and killing it because the accelerations of the on speed to generate accelerations to take the research team was astounded to find by demonstrating that the deep reefs which would tell us more about our own place in the cosmos. prey’s own body around its neck results in advantage of the prey’s body weight, so it bleached coral colonies down to depths themselves are also impacted by higher Early in 2017, Assistant Professor Yoko Oya gave graduate forces that could break or damage the neck,” might not necessitate as much strength as of 131 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. water temperatures.” student Yuki Okoda some recent complex data on a nearby star he told AFP. it would seem.” (Source: phys.org) “It was a shock to see that the impacts (Source: eurekalert.org) with which she could begin her Ph.D. Little did she realize that what she would find could unlock not only the secrets of how NASA launches new competition to turn CO2 into energy planets form but possibly her career as a professional astronomer. NASA wants to equip its manned mission to Mars with a variety of items. Glucose is the target sugar product in this technology that can convert carbon dioxide into an energy challenge because it is the easiest to metabolize, which will source. optimize conversion efficiency.” The space agency has launched the CO2 Conversion Chal- The winning design could also be used on Earth in order lenge in the hopes of encouraging the public to find ways to to reduce the carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere every turn carbon dioxide, which is abundant in the Red Planet, day and hopefully, reverse the effects of global warming. to compounds that will be useful to astronauts. Entries will undergo two phases: Phase 1 is submission “Enabling sustained human life on another planet will while Phase 2 is construction and demonstration. Those who require a great deal of resources and we cannot possibly want to be involved must submit a design with a description bring everything we will need,” said Monsi Roman, Cen- of their approach, including the process that will convert tennial Challenges program manager. “If we can transform carbon to glucose. As many as five teams will be selected, an existing and plentiful resource like carbon dioxide into with each getting $50,000. The star in question (only known by its catalog number IRAS a variety of useful products, the space — and terrestrial — In April 2017, NASA announced plans to send humans 15398-3359) is small, young and relatively cool for a star. It’s applications are endless.” such as water, energy, and even the crew needed to tend to to Mars. The space agency unveiled a five-phase plan, the diminutive stature means the weak light it shines can’t even The competition will focus on developing glucose, a the creation of glucose through plants are extremely limited. most detailed plan to date, to get astronauts safely to the reach us through a cloud of gas and dust that surrounds it. But compound made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. On Microbial energy sources Earth’s neighboring planet. this doesn’t stop inquisitive minds from exploring the unknown. Earth, glucose or soluble sugar is plentiful and inexpensive “Energy rich sugars are preferred microbial energy sources Phase 1, set to take place from 2018 to 2025, includes In 2013, Oya and her collaborators used the Atacama Large because they are produced by plants. composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atom,” read the the launch and testing of six SLS rockets. NASA expects to Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to observe However, because of the harsh conditions on Mars, rec- press release disseminated on Aug. 30. “They could be used send a manned mission to Mars by 2030s. the star in submillimeter wavelengths, as that kind of light can reating the approach would be nearly impossible. Resources as the feedstock for systems that can efficiently produce a (Source: Tech Times) penetrate the dust cloud -- for reference, red light is around 700 nanometers. A painstaking analysis revealed some interesting nebulous structures, despite the images they worked from being difficult to comprehend. IRANCELL to Offer Discount to Subscribers Using TD-LTE Services Again “The greatest academic challenge I’ve faced was trying to make Subscribers of MTN-IRANCELL who did not use their failed to use their TD-LTE modem services for more fixed or TD-LTE internet services. sense of grainy images. It’s extremely difficult to know exactly conventional internet services for more than 30 days than 30 days, can provide their fixed private package By logging on the sub-branch of ‘internet packages’, what you’re really looking at.” says Okoda. “But I felt compelled (TD-LTE) can get discount up to 80 percent (80%) (4G and 4.5G) via the following website address: IRANCELL subscribers can be informed of their special to explore the nature of the structures Dr. Oya had seen with with reusing and providing their private internet shop.irancell.ir. In this case, subscribers of MTN- packages with inserting their TD-LTE number in the ALMA, so I came up with a model to explain them.” The model packages, the Public Relations Dept. of the company IRANCELL can get up to 80 percent (80%) discount. section of ‘special proposal of inactive subscribers’ she produced came as a surprise to Okoda and her colleagues, but reported. The special packages will be considered as at IRANCELL Internet Shop, the Public Relations it fit the data perfectly. It describes a dense disk of material that Given the above issue, IRANCELL subscribers, who ‘subscriber’ due to the timespan for lack of use of Dept. of the company concluded. consists of gas and dust from the cloud that surrounds the star. (Source: Science Daily) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 12 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

September 5 International Iranian traditional medicine can play Day of Charity In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted in a leading role in military medicine September 2015, the United Nations recognizes that eradicat- By Maryam Qarehgozlou ing poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable TEHRAN — Iranian traditional medicine can play a major requirement for sustainable development. part in military medicine worldwide, Seyed Mahdi Mirghaz- The Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global sol- anfari, an Iranian-Islamic traditional medicine researcher, idarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and said on Wednesday. most vulnerable. It also acknowledges the role of the diverse Mirghazanfari, MD, who holds a PhD degree in medical private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to physiology and is also an assistant professor in AJA University multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philan- of Medical Sciences made the remarks in an exclusive inter- thropic organizations in the implementation of the new Agenda. view with the Tehran Times on the sidelines of a workshop on the potential contributions of traditional medicine to emergency medicine and in military health services. “We are just taking the first steps in using traditional medicine as well as complementary medicine in military medicine and crisis conditions,” Mirghazanfari said. The 4th International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) Pan Asia-Pacific Regional Congress will be held on October 12 to 15 in Tehran and another workshop centering around the role of Iranian traditional medicine in military medicine and crisis conditions will be held on the sidelines of the international event, he noted. So far some 25 to 30 research works have been conducted in this area as well as finding the best natural and herbal medicines in wound healing, stopping bleeding, treating inflammation, fatigue, severe thirst, etc. in crisis conditions and conflicts, he explained, adding that, “we are making a The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in progress and holding a workshop on the aforesaid subject Mirghazanfari went on to say that despite the fact that 1920, after World War One had revealed the importance the Agenda can be grouped into six critical areas: people, planet, matter during the ICMM Pan Asia-Pacific Regional Congress Iranian traditional medicine has been developed and used of a closer cooperation between the Armed Forces Medical prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to is also a conclusive proof of that.” to treat acute and urgent illness for many thousands of year Services worldwide. The first International Congress of Mil- transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework Over the past three years some traditional medicine it has been widely perceived that it may only be effective to itary Medicine was held in July 1921, in Brussels, Belgium. needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to con- clinics have been set up at hospitals affiliated to the army treat chronic diseases. Today, ICMM has 116 Member States and 6 Observer Mem- tribute to the betterment of our world. and medical students are being trained and specializing Using traditional medicine practices we can treat head- bers, and has held 42 World Congresses, the 16th of which Background in traditional medicine in universities of medical sciences aches and even stop bleeding within hours, he added. was held in Tehran, Iran in 1959. In addition, it has relations Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, affiliated to the army as well, he added. “The workshop which is scheduled to be held on October with international organizations, including World Health Or- provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of Members of the military have a different lifestyle due to 15 is a great means to introduce our culture and traditional ganization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the the fact that they have to participate in wars and conflicts and medicine to the world,” Mirghazanfari suggested. (ICRC), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), UNAIDS, worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services that’s why military medicine was introduced to the world, “While we believe that conventional medicine and al- International Military Sports Council (CISM), World Veterinary in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists he said, adding that, military medicine strives to provide ternative medicine should be both practiced to get the best Association (WVA), and World Medical Association (WMA). the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection emergency health services to those suffering diseases and results the brutal sanctions imposed on the country might The main goals of ICMM are to maintain and to strengthen of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of also injuries they sustained in battlefields. result in drug shortages and it appears to me that medicinal the bonds between all medical services of Member States, the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message Moreover, in large scale natural disasters such as earth- plants being produced in Iran can definitely help treat many promote medico-military scientific activities, and partici- of humanity in conflict situations. quakes, volcano eruptions, and wildfires the Ministry of diseases ranging from cancers or multiple sclerosis, this only pate in the development of the medical and medico-military The International Day of Charity was established with the Health is not in charge anymore and the army would take need proper research work,” he concluded. setting of humanitarian operations. objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stake- charge; “accordingly the ICMM Pan Asia-Pacific Regional 4th ICMM Pan-Asia Pacific Congress on Mil- The first Pan Asia-Pacific Regional Congress was held holders all around the world to to help others through volunteer Congress is a chance for the countries to show their ca- itary Medicine in China in 2010, the second one was in Thailand in 2012, and philanthropic activities. pabilities in offering medical services at the time of crisis According to ICMM website International Committee the third one was in Russian Federation in 2016, and now The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commem- and I believe that Iranian traditional medicine can play a of Military Medicine (ICMM) is an international and in- Islamic Republic of Iran has the honor to host the 4th ICMM orate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of significant role at the time of disasters. tergovernmental organization, which was established in Pan Asia-Pacific Regional Congress. Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.” Mother Teresa, the renowned nun and missionary, was born State handouts allocated for 2,000 cochlear implants Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910. In 1928 she went to India, where SOCIETY TEHRAN — Free state handouts were infants in the health centers and hospitals nationwide, she devoted herself to helping the destitute. In 1948 she became desk an Indian citizen and founded the order of Missionaries of Charity allocated to Shafa charity foundation for Mahmoudian added. in Kolkota (Calcutta) in 1950, which became noted for its work treatment of hearing impairment and 2,000 cochlear implants This year, the Ministry of Health plans to provide a full among the poor and the dying in that city. by Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam also insurance coverage for infants suffering hearing impair- For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned known as Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam, Tasnim ments, he concluded. and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s ex- news agency reported on Tuesday. Why some people need cochlear implants pansion, first in India and then in other countries, including A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted neuropro- According to Health Hearing Website while most people hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless. Mother sthetic device that provides a sense of sound to a person with hearing loss are quite successful with hearing aids, Teresa’s work has been recognized and acclaimed through- who suffers severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. there are some individuals with severe to profound hearing out the world and she has received a number of awards and Mohammad Mokhber the head of the Headquarters for loss for whom hearing aids do not provide enough benefit. distinctions, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa Executing the Order of the Imam explained that some 50 For these people with severe damage to the sensory cells died on September 5th 1997, at 87 years of age. billion rials (nearly $1.2 million) was also allotted to research in the inner ear, a cochlear implant is often the best option In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian works as well as preventive measures. for better hearing. crises and human suffering within and among nations, as well Mokhber also highlighted that another 70 billion rials These tiny, complex medical devices work differently than as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, in- (nearly $1.7 million) for 30,000 cochlear implants will be hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound, which helps an cluding the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the also provided in due time to Shafa charity foundation. about 400 million rials (nearly $9,000) in Iran, which is individual with residual hearing ability, a cochlear implant United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105PDF document Earlier in July head of the department of hearing health partially paid by the government and charitable foundations. provides the sense of sound by stimulating the auditory designated the 5th of September, the anniversary of the death of affiliated with the Ministry of Health Saeed Mahmoudian The average hearing loss in Iranian infants is 2.7 per 1,000 nerve directly. Cochlear implants do not cure hearing loss Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity. announced that eleven governmental cochlear implant births, and since [the previous Iranian calendar year] 1396 or restore hearing, but they do provide an opportunity for (Source: United Nations) centers are currently active in Iran. (March 2017-March 2018), out of 1.5 million live births, the severely hard of hearing or deaf to perceive the sensation Mahmoudian also noted that cochlear implantation costs hearing screening test has been conducted for 1.1 million of sound by bypassing the damaged inner ear. LEARN ENGLISH Charity event to support underprivileged students prior to school year Bowling SOCIETY TEHRAN — Charity past few years many choose to transfer a Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, also deskevent, designed to solicit donation electronically by online banking, explained that the foundation has allocated A: Alright, so the first thing that you need to know aboutbowling contributions for underprivileged students, Mehdi Bloukat, an official with the relief stationery packages as well as school books is that you should never cross that line where the lane begins. is scheduled to kick off on Thursday na- foundation has said. worth of 1.3 million rials (nearly $30) to B: Why not? tionwide, prior to the upcoming school Last year (March 2017-March 2018) some each student. A: Because they polish and oil it to make the ball slide down. year (starting September 23), Mehr re- 30 percent of the education expenses of the Zarefard went on to say that the foun- If you step there you will slip and fall. ported on Tuesday. underprivileged students were provided dation has allotted some 250 billion rials A: OK, so I got my bowling shoes, my ball, our names on the Known as Jashn-e Atefeha (literally mean- by the contributions the public has made, (nearly $6 million) to underprivileged scorecard, so now, how the heck do I play this? ing the festival of kindnesses), the event has Bloukat highlighted. students for the current year, which only A: You throw the ball down the lane and try to knock down been held for 22 years by Imam Khomeini Moreover, last year the public have donated covers half of the financial needs and the all the pins. If you do, that is called a strike. If you don’t knock Relief Foundation. some 800 billion rials (nearly $19 million) for rest will be provided by public donation. them all down on the first try, then you get a chance to get the While over the previous year people could the financially struggling students through In general, some 310,000 students spare. After ten frames, we add up the points and see who has make their contributions in-kind or cash by the charity event, he explained. are provided with financial support of the most. Three hundred is a perfect score, but very hard to get. referring to schools, mosques, etc. over the Majid Zarefard, another official with the the foundation, he concluded. B: Got it! OK, I’m gonna give it a go. Oh no! My ball went in the gutter! A: I told you, its harder than you think. Now let a pro show you ENGLISH IN USE how it’s done. Key vocabulary LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION bowling: a game where you try to knock pins down with a ball polish: to make smooth and glossy, esp. by rubbing or friction lane: any narrow or well-defined passage, track, channel, or course Iran, Iraq, Syria to join hands ایران، عراق و سوریه تفاهمنامه مقابله باگردوغبار knock: to strike in collision gutter: a sunken channel on each side of the lane against SDSs امضا می کنند pro: an expert player Supplementary vocabulary A plan on combating sand and dust storms (SDS) is scheduled to be prepared محمــد علــی طهماســبی بیرگانــی مدیرملــی کارگــروه مقابلــه بــا گــرد و غبــار split: separate or apart perfect game: a game in bowling of 12 consecutive strikes. in a collaborative initiative with three countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria under گفــت: تهیــه برنامــه جامــع مقابلــه بــا گــرد و غبــار بــا منشــا خــارج از کشــور بــا pin: a small, slender, often pointed piece of wood, metal the auspices of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the strike: to hit, collide همــکاری ایــران، ســوریه و عــراق و زیرنظــر برنامــه عمــران ســازمان ملــل متحــد gutter ball: A ball that goes into the gutter current Iranian calendar year (ending on March 20, 2019), Mohammad Ali )UNDP( در دســتور کار امســال اســت. .Source: irlanguage.com) Tahmasebi-Birgani, head of national working group on SDS has said)

Without water, PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM everything “-blast, -blastic” Knock somebody down Cause a stir Meaning: a type of bud or embryo Meaning: to hit or push someone so that they fall Explanation: to create an atmosphere of excitement withers For example: Sea urchins also have radial holoblastic to the ground or great interest cleavage. For example: Something hit him from behind and For example: The arrival of the actress caused quite knocked him down. a stir in the village. ساعت: 19:40 امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 WORLD IN FOCUS 13 Russia: Airstrikes hit terrorists not Iran needs more help to support Afghan populated areas in Idlib refugees – UNHCR chief 1 The statement further noted that forces loyal to the Syrian government, was the planes involved in the airstrikes had carried out on the town of Khan Sheikhoun. 1 In Tehran, Grandi met government officials, including taken off from the Russian-run Hmeimim According to the book Fear: Trump in Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Interior Minister air base in Syria’s western coastal province the White House, by Woodward, Trump Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli as well as the Director General of the of Latakia. wanted the U.S. military to go into Syria Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs, Ahmad Mo- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Hu- and assassinate al-Assad. hammadifar, expressing UNHCR’s commitment to support Iran’s man Rights (SOHR) reported on Tuesday “Let’s f*****g kill him! Let’s go in. Let’s efforts in providing protection and seeking solutions for Afghan that Russian military aircraft had battered kill the f*****g lot of them,” Trump said refugees while calling for greater international support. The High Idlib for the first time in three weeks. according to Woodward’s book. Commissioner’s visit to Iran is the first leg of a three-country “Russian warplanes resumed bombing Secretary of Defense James Mattis said tour – to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan -- to address the Afghan Idlib province after a 22-day pause,” Rami the Pentagon would “get right on it” after refugee situation. Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based Trump made his request, according to Wood- monitor group, said. ward, but after getting off the phone with He added that the aerial attacks came a Trump, Mattis made it clear to his staff that day after militants in Idlib hit Syrian army they were not going to follow through with positions in neighboring Latakia province, Trump’s plan. which killed three pro-government fighters. “We’re not going to do any of that. We’re White House: U.S. ‘closely going to be much more measured,” Mattis monitoring’ situation in Syria’s Idlib said according to Woodward’s book. The United States is “closely monitoring” Instead of targeting al-Assad personally, the situation in Syria’s Idlib province, where the Pentagon drew up plans for air attacks efforts are underway to drive terrorists out. to take out Syrian military infrastructure. “President Donald J. Trump has warned that an assault on Idlib would be “a grave peace process and had turned the flash-point Following those attacks on April 7, 2017, that such an attack would be a reckless esca- humanitarian mistake”. region to a base, from which terrorists carry Trump praised the U.S. military, saying the lation of an already tragic conflict and would Russia dismisses Trump’s warn- out attacks, notably with “various unmanned military personnel “represented the United risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of ing about offensive in Syria’s Idlib aerial vehicles”, on Russian “temporary bases” States and the world so well”. UNHCR boss Filippo Grandi holding talks with Iranian Interior people,” press secretary Sarah Huckabee Meantime, Russia has strongly dismissed in the Arab country. In an official response to the allegations, Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli(R). Sanders said in a statement on Tuesday. the U.S. President Trump’s warning to Syria “A fairly large group of terrorists has Mattis called the quotes used in Woodward’s Sanders’ comments came a day after not to carry out a full-scale offensive against settled there and of course this leads to a book “fiction” and ‘a product of someone’s On the outskirts of Tehran, the UNHCR chief heard from Trump warned Syrian President Bashar terrorists in the militant-held province of general destabilization of the situation. rich imagination,” adding that the publi- members of the Afghan refugee community during a visit to al-Assad and his close allies, Russia and Iran, Idlib, stressing that the northwestern region It undermines attempts to bring the sit- cation was “a uniquely Washington brand the Persian Gulf Refugee Administration Centre which provides not to “recklessly attack” Idlib, claiming that is a “nest of terrorism.” uation onto the track of a political-dip- of literature”. documentation services for refugees. civilian people could lose their lives “in this “Just to speak out with some warnings, lomatic settlement,” he further noted, “In serving in this administration, the Iran’s efforts to give documents to Afghans in the country potential human tragedy.” without taking into account the very dan- adding that the Kremlin was aware that idea that I would show contempt for the are positive and must be supported. They allow better access to Sanders added that Washington “will gerous, negative potential for the whole sit- Syrian army was “preparing to resolve elected Commander-in-Chief, President health and education services, and greater chances of self-reliance. continue to work tirelessly with its allies to uation in Syria, is probably not a full, com- this problem.” Trump, or tolerate disrespect to the office He also visited the city of Mashhad, home to Iran’s second find a lasting diplomatic solution to resolve prehensive approach,” Kremlin spokesman Russia commenced an anti-terror cam- of the President from within our Department largest population of Afghan refugees – to meet the governor the hostilities in Syria.” Dmitry Peskov said at a press conference in paign, mainly through airstrikes, in militan- of Defense, is a product of someone’s rich and visit a vocational training college for refugees and a Govern- The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes the capital Moscow on Tuesday. cy-infested Syria in September 2015, upon imagination,” Mattis’ statement said. ment-funded charity hospital providing medical services such as inside Syria since September 2014 without His comments came a day after Trump an official request from the Syrian president. Trump also responded to the book, calling kidney dialysis for both documented and undocumented Afghans. any authorization from Damascus or a United warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Its assistance to the Syrian military in elim- the quotes in the book “made up by frauds, As well as the registered refugees, who hold ‘Amayesh’ iden- Nations mandate. It has repeatedly been and his close allies Russia and Iran, not to inating terrorists has significantly helped a con on the public”. tity documentation, the government also estimates that there accused of targeting and killing civilians “recklessly attack” Idlib, claiming that ci- Damascus in retaking militant-held areas When asked about the allegations, the are some 1.5 to two million undocumented Afghans present in across the country. It has also been largely vilian people could lost their lives “in this and cities across the country. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley the country. Over the past year, notable steps have been taken incapable of fulfilling its declared aim of potential human tragedy.” Iran has been also helping Damascus in denied ever hearing threats made by Trump towards identifying this group and recording their presence, destroying the Islamic State in Iraq and the The U.S. has accused the Syrian govern- its fight against various factions of terrorists against al-Assad. initially through a ‘head count’. A growing number, some half Levant (ISIL/Daesh) terrorist outfit. ment of attacking civilians with chemicals on its soil through providing the government “I have not once ever heard the pres- a million, of Afghan passport holders with Iranian work permits De Mistura begs Putin, Erdogan in previous operations, including in Douma troops with advisory assistance, based on an ident talk about assassinating Assad,” are also present in the country. to stop conflict in Idlib near Damascus and in Khan Sheikhun, in invitation by the Syrian government, since Haley told Al Jazeera correspondent At a meeting with Iran’s diplomatic community in Tehran, Elsewhere, United Nations Special En- Idlib. The Syrian authorities have strongly foreign-backed militancy broke out in the James Bays. Grandi said that at a time when Iran is facing economic pressures, voy for Syria Staffan de Mistura asked the denied any involvement in the two cases, country in March 2011. Woodward’s book also details several vulnerable populations, including refugees, need more support. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the saying the attacks had been carried out by Peskov also confirmed that the situation other encounters in the Trump White House In hosting almost a million refugees, and working to address Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan militants to slow Syria’s progress in the fight in Idlib would be “one of the main issues between senior staff and the president. the situation of the undocumented, the Iranian government is to talk and find a ‘soft solution’ for Idlib, at against terror. on the agenda” at the upcoming trilateral According to the book, sources told Wood- making an important contribution to the management of pop- a press conference in Geneva on Tuesday. Syria and its allies, including Russia, be- peace talks in Tehran. ward that White House Chief of Staff John ulation movements in the region and beyond, which should be “Our appeal, if I may to President Putin lieve a similar scenario could be staged in Trump ‘wanted Bashar al-Assad Kelly regularly lost his temper with Trump, supported. and to President Erdogan, to talk and go Idlib. Moscow has already submitted evidence killed’ after chemical attack calling him “unhinged” and “an idiot”, the While the volatile security Iran continues beyond perhaps technical discussions, and to the United Nations and the Organization The U.S. President Donald Trump wanted Washington Post reported. situation in Afghanistan is to set a global find a solution which can be a soft solution for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to have Syrian President Bashar al-Assad “It’s pointless to try to convince him of currently not encouraging to this crisis,” stressed De Mistura. (OPCW) showing that terrorists in Idlib are killed after the Syrian government report- anything. He’s gone off the rails. We’re in large-scale returns from example The UN envoy also warned against a preparing to set up another chemical attack edly carried out a chemical attack in April Crazytown. I don’t even know why any of us Iran, some refugees are through its bombardment against Idlib, the last militant false flag to frame Damascus. 2017, a new book by renowned journalist are here. This is the worst job I’ve ever had,” asking for support to find stronghold in Syria. He echoed an earlier Peskov added that the presence of mil- Bob Woodward alleges. the book quotes Kelly as saying according jobs or start businesses back progressive statement by the U.S. President warning itants in Idlib was undermining the Syrian The attack, which was widely blamed on to unnamed sources. home in Afghanistan. “It’s and inclusive a sign of people looking to refugee policies, their long-term future with hope,” Grandi said. “We must but the country Israeli court upholds order to raze Palestinian village not forget that the solution needs more Israel’s Supreme Court has upheld an order to destroy a each demanded that Tel Aviv refrain from going ahead lies in Afghanistan -- and on Palestinian Bedouin village in the Israeli-occupied West with the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. the stability, security and support hosting Bank, despite strong international appeal against the move. Israel’s minister for military affairs Avigdor Liberman prosperity of Afghanistan.” one of the In upholding the order on Wednesday, the court also hailed the court’s decision, calling it a move in the face of The Afghan refugee sit- largest refugee rejected a petition filed by residents of the Bedouin village “the coordinated hypocrisy attack by Abu Mazen (Palestinian uation is one of the largest of Khan al-Ahmar. President Mahmoud Abbas), the left, and European states.” and most protracted in the populations in “We reject the petitions” against the directive to demolish Israel closes Gaza crossing world, with many having the world. Khan al-Ahmar, the Supreme Court panel said in its ruling, In separate news, the Israeli military said it was closing been in the country for as adding that a temporary order preventing the razing of the the Erez Crossing, which is the Gaza Strip’s sole crossing long as 40 years -- meaning many young refugees are third or village during court hearings “will be canceled within seven meant for people to travel to and from the blockaded en- even fourth generation, born and raised in Iran. Painfully aware days from today,” AFP reported. clave, just 10 days after it had reopened it. of the ongoing insecurity in their homeland, they nevertheless For around nine years, various tribunals had been hearing It claimed “a violent riot” at the site had prompted the still dream of one day returning to their roots. various cases against the destruction of the village. decision to close it. “This is a long-term refugee community, some of them Palestinians were forced to build Khan al-Ahmar out By riots, it was referring to a protest by a group of Pales- have been here for decades, some were born here. There is of sticks and stones in the face of Israel’s refusal to issue tinians who had gathered at the site to condemn an earlier a lot of ... entrepreneurial potential in this community,” building permits across much of the occupied territory. The United States decision to cut all of its funding to the UN ritory since 2007. The UN has warned that the blockade on Grandi said. Israeli officials call the constructions “illegal.” agency for Palestinian refugees. Gaza would render it uninhabitable by 2020. In a discussion with refugee entrepreneurs who are running In July, the European Union and the United Nations Israel has been enforcing an all-out blockade of the ter- (Source: Press TV) businesses around the country, employing Iranians as well as their compatriots, Grandi heard from 27-year-old Somayeh Ghaznavi, who runs a tailoring business in Tehran. “It feels really good that I am working for myself. But I need support Israeli army gives ammunition, money to terrorists in Golan Heights to continue,” she said. “I lost everything once, but I am trying The Israeli army has admitted, for the first at least seven different terrorist groups in dump caused by an electrical problem. (UAE), in the warehouse. again. I am still hopeful to be more successful and manage time, that it provided large amounts of cash, Syria’s Golan Heights, including the Fursan The report added that the hospital had Syrian air defense systems my life.” weapons and ammunition to foreign-spon- al-Joulan militant outfit. The group, which modern CT scans, X-ray medical imaging intercept Israeli missiles “It feels really good that I am working for myself. But I need sored Takfiri terrorists operating in the oc- is aligned to the so-called Free Syrian Army machines, laboratory equipment and medica- Meanwhile, Syrian air defense missile support to continue.” cupied Golan Heights. (FSA) terrorist network has been given an tions that were all foreign-made, particularly systems have intercepted and destroyed a She started her business after completing a business skills The Israeli ministry of military affairs estimated $5,000 per month by Israel. manufactured or produced in Israel. number of Israeli missiles aimed at military training programme run by UNHCR partner ILIA, and now admitted on Monday that Tel Aviv as part On August 23, Syrian government forces have Syrian army soldiers discovered a field sites in the country’s western provinces of employs four women seamstresses to sew staff uniforms for a of the so-called Operation Good Neighbor, found a field hospital used by members of the hospital used by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Hama and Tartous, forcing attacking military popular restaurant in Tehran and is able to support her family. which was launched in 2016, had been reg- Jabhat Fateh al-Sham Takfiri terrorist group, terrorists at the Quneitra Crossing and in aircraft to leave the area. Born and raised in Iran, Somayeh attributed her success to the ularly supplying militants in Syria with light formerly known as al-Nusra Front, filled with close proximity to the Israeli-occupied Golan Medical sources at Masyaf National Hos- ILIA centre, which not only trained her but now provides prem- weapons in order to fight Syrian government Israeli-made medical equipment in the country’s Heights on July 27. pital said they had received the body of a ises for her workshop. troops, and a substantial amount of cash to strategic southwestern province of Quneitra. It had an operating room with adequate civilian. Another 12 people were taken to “I encouraged them to use their entrepreneurial spirit, not buy additional arms. Syria’s official news agency SANA reported Israeli-made medical devices, laboratory the hospital with various degrees of injuries. to depend on aid, to achieve self-reliance,” Grandi said. “These Moreover, the Israeli military provided that Syrian troopers made the discovery in equipment and a warehouse where large Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed successful entrepreneurs, small but successful, have been able to over 1,524 tons of food, 250 tons of clothes, the village of al-Rafid as they were carrying quantities of Israeli and Jordanian-made militancy since March 2011. The Syrian govern- pay back not through charity, not through aid, but by employing 947,520 liters of fuel, 21 generators plus out clean-up operations in the area. medicine were being kept. ment says the Israeli regime and its Western other refugees and by employing Iranians.” 24,900 palettes of medical equipment and Syrian state media said loud blasts coming There were also medical products manu- and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist The challenge, said Grandi, is to make sure Iran is supported medicine through the operation. from an airbase early on Sunday, September factured by a number of Persian Gulf littoral groups wreaking havoc in the country. and funded by the international community so it can continue The Israeli regime is reportedly arming 2, were from an explosion at an ammunition states, particularly the United Arab Emirates (Source: Press TV) on this path, adding, “Iran has experienced 39 years of a refugee situation since it started receiving Afghans in 1979.” While in Tehran Grandi also highlighted the new global com- pact on refugees, due to be adopted by UN member states later Protesters clash with security forces in Basra for second night this year, which provides a blueprint for how the international community will engage with countries – like Iran - hosting large Five protesters were killed and 16 more were injured during Some protesters stormed one of the provincial gov- sources said. Twenty-two members of the security refugee populations. a second night of clashes with security forces in Iraq’s main ernment buildings and set it alight. It was some of the forces were also wounded, some by a hand grenade, “This is the global compact on refugees made real, made live. southern city Basra on Tuesday, September 4, local health worst unrest reported during months of protests sweep- the sources said. Iran is already implementing many of the responsibilities and and security sources said. ing the long-neglected south, heartland of Iraq’s Shia The government buildings in Basra have been the target contributing to a shared public good - the well-being of refugees,” Hundreds of people gathered at local government build- Muslim majority. of demonstrators who are demanding better public services he said. “I hope Iran’s example will be taken up by other countries ings in the city and hurled petrol bombs and stones while Security forces fired live rounds in the air as and an end to corruption. and will receive the support it deserves.” attempting to block roads leading to the building. well as tear gas to try and disperse the crowd, local (Source: agencies) (news.trust.org) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 14 WORLD SPORTS SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

European coaches ask UEFA What is the UEFA Nations League? A heavyweight clash between the last two world champions to review away goals rule kicks it off on Thursday, but what exactly is the UEFA Nations League? From the seedings to the qualification places up Europe’s top club coaches have asked UEFA to review the use of for grabs, DW explains the new competition. the away goals rule in continental competitions because scoring The Nations League, which will kick off during the current away from home is not as difficult as it used to be. international break, is meant to rejuvenate international They also want the transfer window to end at the same time football in Europe by giving national teams more meaning- in all the region’s major leagues. ful matches, while at the same time reducing the number UEFA’s deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti confirmed of friendlies. that the European soccer body would “open a discussion” on the That’s according to UEFA. However, as always with Eu- use of the away goals rule which is used to determine the winners ropean football’s governing body, it’s a bit complicated, so of knockout ties when the aggregate score is level. here we answer some the questions that are bound to be The annual meeting included Massimiliano Allegri (Juven- raised by the advent of this new competition: tus), Carlos Ancelotti (Napoli), Unai Emery (Arsenal), Paulo Who takes part? Fonseca (Shakhtar Donetsk), Julen Lopetegui (Real Madrid) In a word, everybody. All 55 UEFA member nations are Jose Mourinho (Manchester United), Thomas Tuchel (Paris St set to enter the Nations League which is to be held for the Germain) and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. first time in the 2018-19 season. The teams are divided into “This is one of the points that needs to be looked at,” he said. four leagues (A-D) which in turn are split up into four groups On the transfer window, he said the coaches wanted more of either three or four. countries to follow the example of England and Italy and close The draw for the inaugural “League Phase” is determined them before the start of the season. by UEFA’s national coefficient rankings as of October 11, The transfer windows in England and Italy were changed this 2017. League A includes the top-ranked European nations year in response to complaints last year that they had overshadowed while League D is made up of the lowest ranked teams. the action on the pitch and made it difficult for coaches to plan. The setup is similar to a domestic league that has four However, in Spain, Germany and France, they continued until divisions, and there will be relegation and promotion. the end of August as before. “The coaches are of an opinion that Who will Germany play? there should be a unified window and the window should close Joachim Löw’s side get their campaign up and running before the competition starts,” said Marchetti. “The idea would against world champions France on Thursday in Munich. be to try and bring them into line.” After that, Germany travel to Amsterdam on October 13 to secure their tickets for the tournament by finishing first March 2020. (Source: Reuters) face the Netherlands and then to Paris for the away match or second in the 10 qualifying groups. Qualifying matches Will this mean jamming even more matches against the French three days later. The return match against will be held after the League Phase of the Nations League into an already packed football calendar? Holland on November 19 in Gelsenkirchen concludes the is completed. No. UEFA says the Nations League will be played out group phase for the former world champions. The final four teams will qualify through playoffs involving during the existing international windows and reduce the How will the winner be determined? the winners of the four Nations League leagues – which are number of meaningless friendlies. Pekerman resigns as The winner can only come from League A and will be to be held after the regular qualifying matches have been Isn’t this just another cash grab on the part determined by a mini-tournament played in June, with completed. Should any of the league winners have already of UEFA? Colombia coach semifinals, a game for third place and a final. qualified through qualifying, they are to be replaced in the No again, according to UEFA, which states on its website The teams who come bottom of their group will be rele- playoffs by the next-best ranked team in their league. that “finances are not a driver for the new competition”. Jose Pekerman has quit as Colombia manager two months after gated, while the group winners from the league below will When will Nations League matches be played? In the next sentence though, it states that “the competition leading them to the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia, the Co- be promoted. The six League Phase matchdays are to take place be- will have the same centralized media rights as have recently lombian Football Federation (FCF) said on Tuesday. How does the Nations League impact on qual- tween September and November, with the teams in groups been introduced for all European Qualifiers so associations “After a meeting with Jose Nestor Pekerman, the coach has ifying for the European championship? of three playing on just four of the matchdays. The finals will have even more stability in their income”. expressed his desire not to continue as the head of the national Twenty of the 24 teams to take part in Euro 2020 can are to be held in June 2019 and the Euro 2020 playoffs in (Source: Deutsche Welle) side,” the FCF said in a short statement. “We at the FCF are proud to have counted on the coach, who qualified us for the World Cups in Brazil in 2014 and Russia in 2018.” If I don’t win the Ballon d’Or, I’ll wonder Nadal ‘bagelled’ but survives Thiem test Pekerman, who took over in 2012, was not expected to continue what else I have to do” - Griezmann to reach semis after a World Cup campaign that ended with a penalty shootout defeat by England. He ends his reign with a record of 42 wins, 20 draws and 16 defeats in 78 matches. “I am very happy and I always want the best for the team in the future,” Pekerman told a news conference. “There were no disagreements.” The 69-year old could now be a candidate for the vacant jobs with Mexico or Argentina, the country where he was born and whose Under-20 side he took to the World Cup three times - 1995, 1997 and 2001. Pekerman also led his homeland at the World Cup in Germany, where the hosts knocked them out in the quarter-finals on penalties. Interim coach Arturo Reyes will lead Colombia in friendlies against Venezuela in Miami on Sept. 7 and Argentina in New Jersey four days later. (Source: Goal)

Name of Beckham’s MLS Antoine Griezmann has said he has a re- Mohamed Salah the nominees. Defending champion Rafa Nadal failed to deciding set and a second tiebreak ensued. team revealed alistic chance of winning the Ballon d’Or “It’s bizarre, and a shame, it’s FIFA win a single game in the opening set of his The two were neck-in-neck at 5-5 when this year but has criticized FIFA for failing who award the trophy right?” said Griez- U.S. Open quarter-final against Dominic Nadal carved out a match point with his David Beckham’s Major League Soccer team will be called Club to recognize France’s World Cup players mann. “And the World Cup is organized Thiem on Tuesday but fought back to beat forehand. Internacional de Futbol Miami - or Inter Miami CF - and the at The Best awards. by FIFA, right? We won the World Cup the Austrian 0-6 6-4 7-5 6-7(4) 7-6(5) in a Thiem’s wayward overhead smash club’s crest has been unveiled. Atletico Madrid and France forward and there is no Frenchman at the end. match that ended after 2 a.m. in New York. handed the match to Nadal, who stood Inter Miami will make their MLS debut in 2020, after being Griezmann won the Europa League last It’s a choice, but it’s surprising there’s Nadal won 40 percent of his first serves midcourt with his head thrown back and awarded an expansion contact in January. season before lifting the World Cup in Rus- no world champion.” in the opener as he struggled with the high arms raised in the air in celebration. The crest is pink, black and white, featuring two herons and sia. And after finishing third in the 2016 Griezmann also praised Manchester humidity on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, “It’s going to be stuck in my mind for- a sun with seven rays - which are a “homage” to the ex-England poll having lost the Champions League and United’s Paul Pogba for his performanc- with Thiem becoming the first player to ever,” Thiem said. captain’s career. “This is such a proud day for myself and for the Euro 2016 finals, Griezmann believes he has es and leadership in France’s World Cup ‘bagel’ the Spaniard at Flushing Meadows “I’m going to remember this match, for entire team,” said Beckham. The former Manchester United, Real a realistic chance of picking up football’s campaign. Pogba has been criticized at since Andy Roddick 14 years ago. sure. It’s cruel sometimes tennis, because Madrid, Paris St-Germain and AC Milan midfielder, who is team most coveted individual prize. times during his career at Old Trafford “It’s been a great battle,” an exhausted I think this match didn’t really deserve a owner and president, added: “We are taking another important “Yes, I’m thinking about it, especially while Jose Mourinho said the tournament Nadal said. “The conditions were tough, loser. But there has to be one. step in establishing our club and today marks an important mo- as I’m getting closer and closer to it,” he suited him better than club football. very humid for me.” “If we skip the first set, it was a really ment in the history of Club Internacional de Futbol Miami.” told L’Equipe. “When I finished third in “Paul really stepped up a level in the Thiem, who lost to Nadal in the French open match from beginning to the end. The Managing owner Jorge Mas said: “Our city and our fans draw 2016, I had lost two finals. Now, I’ve won dressing room. He had the right words Open final but had beaten the Spaniard way it ended up in the fifth set tiebreaker, their strength from the dreams of a global population that calls three. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award that pushed us on. Hugo [Lloris], Raph three times in 10 previous meetings, struck from there it’s 50-50. He made one more Miami home. “It is only fitting that our name pays tribute to the and for a player it’s the summit. There’s [Varane] and Blaise [Matuidi], we knew 74 winners, including 24 with his stylish point than me.” inclusiveness that makes us who we are.” nothing better, nothing bigger. There can they were there, but Paul, yes, that surprised single-handed backhand, to keep the cham- Nadal paid tribute to the crowd for hang- The crest appeared on the front page of Wednesday’s Miami Herald. be trophies in your league, the World Cup, us more and it did us good that he spoke pion under constant pressure. ing on until the early hours of Wednesday (Source: BBC) the Euros, it’s not the same. like that,” Griezmann added. “I’m very sorry for Dominic,” Nad- morning. “I would ask myself what I would have “For me, each time he speaks, I want to al added. “He’s a close friend on tour, a “Thank you very much everybody for to do more. I have won three trophies, I’ve laugh. Paul is so used to messing around great guy and I wish him the very best ... staying here tonight,” Nadal said after the been important in decisive moments. But that it surprises me. He is young and has plenty of time to win four hour, 49 minute marathon. it’s not me who votes. “He won back the ball and played quickly. tournaments.” “It’s been an amazing feeling. I’m play- Kaepernick advert a powerful “Comparing with 2016, I have to be in He gained a lot of confidence during the After Nadal roared back to take a 2-1 ing a lot of hours this year at this beautiful the final three.” World Cup. He must not change, nor that lead, the fourth set went to a tiebreak. Thiem stadium.” statement, says Williams Griezmann and his France teammates the comments about him change. He should raced to a 3-0 lead before Nadal fought Next up for the top seed is a semi-final were missing when FIFA named their three- be like N’Golo [Kante] -- he wins the ball back, but the Austrian held his nerve to clash with big-serving Argentine and third man shortlist for their The Best awards, and gives it to the forwards.” level the match. seed Juan Martin del Potro. Serena Williams has praised Nike’s new Colin Kaepernick ad- with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and (Source: AS) There were no breaks of serve in the (Source: Reuters) vertising campaign, calling it a “powerful statement”. Critics have burned Nike trainers and clothing in protest at the decision to use Kaepernick in the campaign. Kaepernick was the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem to highlight racial injustice. “Having a huge company Zidane’s warning to Lopetegui: “You have to win everything” back him could be a controversial reason for this company, but On May 31, just five days after leading his team to a third lot of energy and influence within the squad. Sergio Ramos they’re not afraid,” said Williams, who is sponsored by Nike. consecutive Champions League title, Zinedine Zidane shocked is a natural leader and a big presence in the dressing room, “I feel like that was a really powerful statement to a lot of other the footballing world by resigning as manager of Real Ma- and Cristiano Ronaldo is a leader on the pitch who inspires companies.” Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles, was drid. Just over three months on, and the Frenchman has his team-mates. They complement each other well.” speaking after beating Karolina Pliskova to reach the US Open given a candid interview to Uefa, in which he speaks about On a poor home record in the Champions League: “Very semi-finals in New York. She said of former San Francisco 49ers winning the Champions League, Benzema, Ronaldo, and often, we managed to achieve very good performances away quarterback Kaepernick: “He’s done a lot for the African-American keeping the calm in the dressing room. from home, which might explain a slight loss of concentra- community, and it’s cost him a lot. “It’s sad. But he continues to He also had some words of warning for his successor tion during the subsequent return legs. At the same time, do the best that he can to support.” Julen Lopetegui: “When you’re coaching Real Madrid, you I never had the impression that the team were panicking. After Nike unveiled the campaign, Williams tweeted that she have to win everything.” When you work with high-quality players, they know how was “especially proud to be a part of the Nike family”. Here are his top five quotes from the interview. to manage those periods of games when you’re not playing Critics on Twitter used the hashtag #JustBurnIt - a play on On three Champions League titles: “All three titles well, and they get things back on track very quickly. My job Nike’s slogan “Just Do It” - which trended alongside #BoycottNike. were fantastic. They were all special for different reasons. was to keep people calm!” In announcing the deal, Nike said Kaepernick, who has been The first stands out because it was my first as a coach; On the demands of LaLiga and Champions League: out of a contract since March 2017, was “one of the most inspi- the second was both symbolic and intense – with us fac- “For me, there is no difference. I have always prepared rational athletes of this generation”. ing Juventus and turning in an exceptional second-half for all matches with the same level of application. In any The NFL said it “embraces the role and responsibility of every- performance. And the third topped off my three seasons helped to implement our possession game by playing his event, when you’re coaching Real Madrid, you have to win one involved with this game to promote meaningful, positive as coach of Real Madrid.” team-mates in. He makes himself available and is a real everything, while maintaining a certain standard of play change in our communities”. On Benzema: “Karim was important for the balance of team player.” – that’s my philosophy.” (Source: CNN) the side in terms of how I wanted the team to attack. He On Ronaldo and Ramos: “They are both players with a (Source: Marca) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 SPORTS 15

Reading coach Clement Ex-U.S. volleyball captain David Lee to come to Iran

SPORTS TEHRAN — Ex-U.S. volleyball captain David looks forward to work deskLee will travel to Iran in October to take part at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Lee, who is going to take part at an international beach vol- leyball event for the first time, will be accompanied by Mark with Saeid Ezatolahi Burik in the event. SPORTS Paul Clement says highly-rated Iranian mid- that’s finished he will come and join us, subject to his UK Visa deskfielder Saeid Ezatolahi will help Reading and being approved,” Clement said in an interview with the Reading has urged fans should not put too much pressure on Saeid Ezatolahi. Chronicle. Ezatolahi was snapped up by Reading FC on a season-long “Once that is done he will join us. We will have a good look loan deal last week. how he is, what shape he is in and hopefully he will be involved He is expected to feature during the international break against very soon. Saeid is hopefully going to help, because he is good Uzbekistan before linking up with his Royals team-mates later player. [He is] strong, he is over 6ft 2ins. I think we need a bit of next week. physicality in this team. In this league you do need it. The 21-year-old “He can pass, he can head, he can tackle. I am really looking FC Rostov play- forward to working with him, but the responsibility is not on him, maker - dubbed the responsibility is on me as the coach and every individual in the ‘Persian the squad.” Pogba - has Royals went to the bottom of the table after losing 2-1 to Shef- spent time field Wednesday at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, a run of in Spain with four defeats in six games. Atlético Ma- The side have won just three times in 28 league games in Events in Zhongwei, China (September 13-16), and in Iran drid, and Clem- 2018, and Clement responded to narrowly avoiding relegation in Bandar Torkaman (October 2-5), Babolsar (October 9-12) ent believes he last season by recruiting eight players. and Bandar-e Anzali (October 16-19) are also planned and more will provide some On the international scene, Ezatolahi was called into the Iran information will be made in due course. Additional events in much-needed physi- national team by coach Carlos Queiroz and promptly became the 4-star and 1- and 2-star categories may also be confirmed cality to the team after the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Iran national team in the near future. Reading plummeted to the at the age of 19 years and 42 days after scoring in a 3–1 victory The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour is the worldwide pro- bottom of the Championship table. against Turkmenistan in November 2015. fessional beach volleyball tour for both men and women organized “He has had his medical. He is fit and is Ezatolahi was signed within 24 hours of the loan window by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). going to go with the Iran national team. As soon as closing, with an option to join Reading on a permanent basis. The World Tour was introduced for men in 1989 while the women first competed in 1992.

Ivankovic, Schafer attend AFC Elite Club Coaches’ Forum Aleksandar Ciric wants to SPORTS TEHRAN — Persepolis and Esteghlal “For the second year in succession we have coaches from deskcoaches Branko Ivankovic and Winfried the West and East Zones of the AFC’s flagship Champions extend contract with Iran Schafer attended the AFC’s Third Elite Club Coaches Forum. League and it showed last year that some of the challenges water polo High-profile club coaches from across Asia gathered in they face are extremely similar. Shanghai for the forum, the-afc.com wrote. “This Forum is now established as one of the most im- Two-time UEFA Champions League winner Paulo Sousa, portant for exchanging ideas and opinions in Asian club SPORTS TEHRAN — Three-time Olympic medal winner now coach of Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian, football. The beauty is that the coaches themselves direct deskAleksandar Ciric has shown interest in working who face Japan’s Kashima Antlers in the East Zone, was the agenda and direction of discussion. with Iran national water polo team as a coach. among the attendees. “This year we will have the opportunity to consider many Under guidance of the 40-year-old coach, Team Melli claimed Also joining the Forum was Choi Kang-hee, manager elements of the game and also the chance to look in detail a medal after 44 years. of another quarter-finalist Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of at tactical and logistical innovations from the 2018 FIFA Team Melli defeated China 16-15 on penalty shootout (8-8 Korea Republic and AFC Coach of the Year 2016 as well as World Cup in Russia and how it impacts a club coach.” in the regular time) at the GBK - Aquatic Center in Jakarta, Branko Ivankovic, the highly-experienced Croatian coach From the original gathering in 2016 only Kevin Mus- Indonesia on Saturday to win a bronze medal. of Persepolis FC, from the West Zone who are involved in cat, coach of Melbourne Victory, has been a constant. He “I want to continue my work as Iran coach. First, I need to rest a tight game against Al Duhail of Qatar. Other Chinese Super League representatives were Chris said: “Every year we learn of the pressures on individual after of months hard work. Then I will talk to the Iran Swimming Winfried Schafer, the coach of Islamic Republic of Iran’s Coleman, who led Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 coaches and how they deal with those pressures. Coaching Federation president Mohsen Rezvani,” Ciric said. other quarter- finalists Esteghlal, who are facing Qatar’s and now coaches Hebei China Fortune and Li Xiaopeng can often be an isolating job so sharing experiences in Ciric is a Serbian water polo player who played for two Olym- Al Sadd, completed the four attending AFC Champions of Shandong Luneng Taishan. this Forum is vital.’ pic bronze medal squads, one for FR Yugoslavia at the 2000 League representatives. AFC Technical Director, Andy Roxburgh, who will lead Also in attendance, for the first time, are a group of elite Olympics in Sydney, the other for Serbia at the 2008 Olympics They were joined by coaches from Australia, Japan and the two-day event, said: “These Forums are so valuable coaches from the Chinese FA including several former na- in Beijing, and one Olympic silver medal squad for Serbia and China PR including Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira and because it allows the sharing of views and experience tional team coaches such as former Manchester City, Crystal Montenegro at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Shanghai Shenhua’s Wu Jingui. from across Asia. Palace and China PR defender Sun Jihai. His most notable achievements during his club career are: winning the Euroleague with VK Becej in 2000, when he gained the title of MVP of competition; and four LEN Cups, three with Five top moments at the Asian Games Brescia and one with VK Radnicki Kragujevac. With a glittering ceremony marking the end she´d realised that North Koreans of the 2018 Asian Games, here are five top aren´t “scary” after all. moments from the world´s second-largest Jokowi´s motorbike skit Sirous Pourmousavi sacked multi-sports event: The opening ceremony got off to a roar- Falling standards ing start with a skit purportedly starring as Foolad coach A flag blunder punctured Sun Yang´s President Joko Widodo on a motorbike joy at winning the 200m freestyle — and doing stunts in Jakarta´s streets. With TASNIM — Sirous Pourmousavi was sacked by Iranian football prompted the Chinese swimming star to the crowd whooping, he rode into Gelora club Foolad on Tuesday following poor start to the Iran Profes- demand a re-run of his victory ceremo- Bung Karno stadium. The scene appeared sional League (IPL) season. ny. The triple Olympic champion was to take inspiration from the opening cer- Foolad sit ninth in the table after six weeks. overjoyed at winning his first gold of the emony for the 2012 London Olympics There’s a possibility that Pourmousavi returns to his former Games, and all was going swimmingly when Queen Elizabeth II seemingly made club Esteghlal Khuzestan once again. until the flags of China and Japan came a dramatic entrance to the stadium by Abdollah Veisi, who has recently parted company with Naft loose and crashed to the ground as Sun parachute along with James Bond. Masjed Soleyman, and Hossein Faraki are two candidates to be was belting out the national anthem from Son´s tears appointed as Foolad coach. Foolad have won IPL titles twice in the podium. After a delay, the ceremony After tears of anguish at the 2016 Rio the 2004-05 and 2013-14 seasons. began again, to titters from the audience Olympics when South Korea were defeated as three officials held up the flags, one by Honduras in the quarter-final, Totten- self-consciously bending his knees as he ham Hotspur´s Son Heung-min sobbed tried to adjust it to the correct height. major sports event: a squirrel risked its life ing at the final hurdle in a tense match with joy as his team was crowned 2018 Iran volleyball to play the Stray cat strut when it dashed in front of a snowboard- against China. Nevertheless, the Unified Asiad champions. It was an emotional A humble cat stole the show on the er at this year´s Winter Olympics, and at Korea team was a resounding success rollercoaster ride for Son as he played to U.S. in Slovenia opening day of the athletics competition Formula One´s 2011 Indian Grand Prix, a in Jakarta. The neighbours marched secure a gold that would spare him a ca- when it made an unexpected appearance stray dog held up practice when it wandered together at the opening ceremony and reer-threatening stint of military service. Press TV — Iran national volleyball team will travel to Slovenia during the women´s 100m hurdles heats. onto the track. also formed joint teams in canoeing, But it all went to plan in the end, with a 2-1 on Wednesday to hold a training camp in the European country The tortoise-and-white cat trotted noncha- Two Koreas in which they clinched a gold and two win against Japan leaving Son beaming ahead of the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. lantly down the track and onto the infield, A joint team of athletes from North bronze medals. The athletes even learnt from ear to ear and poised to return to Team Melli will participate in a tournament in Slovenia with as athletes and officials did a double take. and South Korea reached an emotional a thing or two about each other: one Spurs to see out his new five-year deal. the participation of USA, Canada and host Slovenia. It wasn´t the first animal intruder at a women´s basketball final — before fall- South Korean basketball player said (Source: Geo.tv) Igor Kolakovic’s men will play USA on Thursday and meet Slovenia and Canada in the following days. The Iranian national volleyball team have been grouped with Asia’s best kick off Road to UAE 2019 Bulgaria, Poland, Cuba, Finland and Puerto Rico in Pool D of the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Kuala Lumpur: The 2019 AFC Asian Cup UAE cast to Russia in their FIFA World Cup opener, to end their The World Championship will be held in Italy and Bulgaria will kickstart their preparations for the Continent’s campaign on a high after defeating Egypt 2-1, will play on September 9-30. biggest showpiece with a series of international friendly Bolivia at the King Fahd Stadium on Friday. matches over the next week. Islamic Republic of Iran, who came agonizingly Almost all the 24 teams will be in action as they cast close to a knockout stage appearance at Russia 2018, their eyes on UAE 2019 which is a mere 121 days away. will face fellow UAE 2019 qualifiers Uzbekistan at the Marzban officially named Defending champions Australia, however, will not be Bunyodkor Stadium on Tuesday. in action as new head coach Graham Arnold has opted The United Arab Emirates, who are hoping to go one Naft Masjed Soleyman coach to use the international break to gather his players for a better than their runners-up finish the last time the AFC training camp in Antalya, Turkey. Asian Cup was held on home soil in 1996, face Trinidad Persian Football — Alireza Marzban was officially named the Asia’s four other representatives at the 2018 FIFA & Tobago on Thursday. new head coach of Naft Masjed Soleyman football team. World Cup Russia will, however, be in action. That will be followed by Alberto Zaccheroni’s team Marzban replaced Abdollah Viesi, who has recently resigned Japan, the only Asian team to advance to the knock- playing Laos. from his post in the Masjed Soleyman based football team due out stage in Russia 2018, will play Chile in Hokkaido on Teams who did not qualify for UAE 2019 will also be in to financial issues. Friday in Hajime Moriyasu’s first match in charge of the action as they prepare for various regional championships “I think we can manage our current situation. First, I have four-time AFC Asian Cup winners. that will be held later in 2018. to talk with the players in person. Naft Masjed Soleyman has Korea Republic, with Paulo Bento at the helm for his The SAFF Championship kicked off on Tuesday with one of the best turfs in Iran league and it helps us to reach our first match, face Costa Rica on Friday. seven teams competing while the AFF and EAFF qualifiers goals,” Marzban told Tasnim. Bento will get a second chance to gauge his squad, are also ongoing during the international break. Friday The 60-year-old coach started his career in 2000 as assistant which includes eight players who won the 2018 Asian Friendlies Korea Republic v Costa Rica coach of German football team Eschborn. Games Indonesia gold medal on Saturday, against Chile Thursday Japan v Chile Marzban has also worked at Persepolis and Sepahan as assistant on Tuesday. UAE v Trinidad & Tobago Qatar v China PR coach. In 2014, he was appointed the head coach of Padideh and has Korea Republic failed to advance to the knockout stage Uzbekistan v Syria Singapore v Mauritius also worked at Khooneh Be Khooneh, Siahjamegan and Paykan. of the FIFA World Cup but stunned 2014 champions Ger- Kyrgyz Republic v Palestine Chinese Taipei v Malaysia Naft Masjed Soleyman sits one place above bottom in the many 2-0 in their final group match in Russia. Jordan v Lebanon Saudi Arabia v Bolivia Iran Professional League (IPL) table. Saudi Arabia, who recovered from their 5-0 defeat Bahrain v Philippines (Source: the-afc) Prayer Times Noon:13:03 Evening: 19:43 Dawn: 5:14 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:41 (tomorrow) SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Ali Asgari Editor-in-Chief: Mohammad Ghaderi MoMA to hold cinematographer Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Mahmud Kalari retrospective Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. Tel: 88911433 ARTTEHRAN – The Museum Webmaster: [email protected] deskof Modern Art (MoMA) in Printed at: Rooztab - ISSN: 1017-94 New York plans to review three decades of No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran cinematography by Iran’s Mahmud Kalari in P.o. Box: 14155-4843 a program titled “The Eye of Iran: Cinematog- Zip Code: 1599814713 rapher Mahmud Kalari”. The program, which will begin on Septem- ber 14, will screen a number of movies shot by Kalari, a cinematographer who has made great efforts for the development of the image of Iran across the world, the organizers announced. In a statement published on MoMA website, the organizers wrote, “Contemporary Iranian film has been earning worldwide acclaim since around 1990. The complex reality of Iran has, however, been explored by a wide range of cin- ematic voices, with formally and conceptually rigorous films dealing with subjects as diverse France L’Étrange Festival to as urban life, women’s issues, interpersonal review Shahram Mokri films dramas, and philosophy. “One figure has contributed to the look of ARTTEHRAN – The 24th edition of the L’Étrange this rich, evolving cinema like no other, cine- deskFestival, which opened at the Forum des images matographer Mahmud Kalari, who has lensed in Paris on Wednesday, plans to review two latest films by Iranian some of the most acclaimed works by Asghar director Shahram Mokri. Farhadi, Abbas Kiarostami, Dariush Mehrjui, “Fish & Cat”, which is about restaurant owners who lurk around and Jafar Panahi. a student assembly holding a kite competition near a lake during the “Beyond these celebrated masters, Kalari winter solstice, will be screened on September 9 and 11. has also collaborated with young and emerg- ing directors, making him a constant presence across the wide gamut of Iranian cinema.” The screening program includes 12 films, including “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi, “The Fish Fall in Love” by Ali Rafiei, “The Wind Will Carry Us” by Abbas Kiarostami, “Leila” by Dariush Mehrjui, “Pig” by Mani Haqiqi and “Fish and Cat” by Shahram Mokri. Kalari is scheduled to attend the screenings of some of the movies, which will be followed by review sessions. Mahmud Kalari filming scene from “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi.

Schiller records track with Iranian Iranian music elites In 2013, the movie won the special jury prize at the Venice In- ternational Film Festival in Italy. singer Hojjat Ashrafzadeh visit Kordestan The organizers also will review “Invasion”, which went on screen in the Panorama section of the 68th Berlin International Film Festival this year. Two screenings have been arranged for September 10 and 11. The story of the film is set in a mysterious stadium covered by a strange fog, where a murder is committed. While a re-enactment is organized by the police, the murderer and his accomplices prepare another assassination. But little by little everyone seems caught in an infernal time loop. Mokri is scheduled to attend all the screenings. “Shahram Mokri is surely one of the most fascinating new di- rectors to come out of Iran,” the organizers wrote. The festival comes to an end on September 16.

Cultural figures mark Hojaji’s martyrdom anniversary

CULTURE TEHRAN – A number of art and cultural deskfigures gathered in Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Schiller’s Christopher von Deylen and singer Hojjat Ashrafzadeh pose at the Shahre The Kordestan Philharmonic Orchestra performs during the Fajr Music Festival in Monday to mark the first martyrdom anniversary of Mohsen Sedaye Parsian Studio in Tehran on September 4, 2018. Tehran in 2015. (Musicema/Sara Abdollahi) Hojaji, an Iranian soldier who was killed by Daesh forces in Syria. ARTTEHRAN – German Tehran did not pursue only commercial ARTTEHRAN – A top musicians Mohammad Sarir and deskelectronic music band purposes, said Mostafa Kabiri who is the desknumber of prominent Hassan Riahi. Schiller has recorded a single track in coordinator of the band’s performances musicians are paying a visit to Kordestan They held meetings with members of collaboration with Iranian singer Hojjat in Iran. Province in western Iran to study the the Kordestan Philharmonic Orchestra Ashrafzadeh. “But we also intended to prepare the music potentials of the province. and several other ensembles at the The single recorded at Shahre Sedaye ground for international cooperation on The visiting program has been beginning of their trip on Wednesday. Parsian, a music studio in Tehran, on Tues- music,” he added. arranged by the Kordestan branch of The musicians are also due to visit day will be released on the new album of He said that such collaborations will help the Art Bureau, the organizers of the several historical sites in Sanandaj and the band led by Christopher von Deylen, promote more Iranian music in the world. tour announced on Wednesday. workshops for instrument making. the Persian service of MNA reported on Von Deylen did not provide any vocals The musicians are Farhad The group will also visit several music Wednesday. for Schiller productions himself. Vocals Fakhreddini, the former conductor schools in the city during the two-day Schiller performed concerts in Tehran are sung by guest artists, including Jette of the National Orchestra, composer visit on Thursday. They are seeking ways during November 2107 and March 2018. von Roth, Kêta Jo McCue and Cristina Hushang Kamkar, Music House to help develop the artistic activities of The organizers of Schiller’s concerts in Scabbia. director Hamidreza Nurbakhsh, and the region. Poet Afshin Ala recites a text in honor of martyr Mohsen Hojaji in Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on September 3, 2018. (Mehr/Asghar Khamseh) The honoring program included a theater performance by Stolen ruby slippers used in Wizard director Kambiz Banan, the performance of the symphony “Vic- No L.A. charges for Spacey, Seagal, tory” composed by Majid Entezami, and live music performance Anthony Anderson of Oz recovered by FBI by Mohsen Tavassoli. The family members of Hojaji were also honored at the end of LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — The Los NEW YROK (Reuters) — A pair of ruby the ceremony followed by several poetry recitations performed Angeles District Attorney’s office said on slippers worth millions that were featured in honor of the martyr. Tuesday it would not prosecute actor Kevin in the movie “The Wizard of Oz” and stolen The event was organized by Kasa Art and Cultural Organization. Spacey on a 1992 sexual assault accusa- from a Judy Garland museum 13 years tion because it fell outside the California ago have been recovered in Minneapolis, statute of limitations. the Federal Bureau of Investigation said The District Attorney’s office also said it on Tuesday. Kazan festival to screen 8 would not charge actor Steven Seagal and The FBI said it was asking the public to movies from Iran television comedy star Anthony Anderson help identify suspects connected with the over two other sexual assault accusations. original theft and a more recent scheme ARTTEHRAN – Eight movies from Iranian filmmak- The 1993 accusations against action star to extort money from the owners of the deskers have been selected to be screened in various Seagal fell outside the statute of limitations, Actor Kevin Spacey speaks with the media red sequined shoes, one of four pairs worn A pair of ruby slippers featured in the sections of the 14th Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema, while Anderson’s accuser declined to be at the premiere of Netflix’s television series by Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and which opened on Tuesday. interviewed and prosecution was declined “House of Cards” at Alice Tully Hall in the the 1939 classic. stolen from the Judy Garland Museum “Golnesa” by Sattar Chamanigol due to lack of evidence, the office said. Lincoln Center in New York City January “Dorothy’s slippers are a treasured in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2005, is is competing in the official section Anderson in July denied wrongdoing. 30, 2013. (Reuters/Stephen Chernin) piece of Americana, and we are hoping shown after it was recovered in a sting of the event, which will run until Seagal could not be reached for comment. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s of- members of the public can help us better operation conducted in Minneapolis ear- September 11. The Spacey case, involving an adult fice said in August that it was reviewing a fill in the details that will finish the script lier this summer in this FBI Minneapolis, “Saad’s Olive Tree” by Ahmad male, was presented to Los Angeles prose- second sexual assault accusation against of this mystery so we can hold accountable Minnesota, U.S., image released on Sep- Zayeri will go on screen in the short cutors in April and had been under review. Spacey, but declined to give details. The all those who were behind the scheme,” tember 4, 2018. (Courtesy FBI/Handout film competition while “Sons of The nature and origin of the accusation case is still under review. Jill Sanborn, special agent in charge of via Reuters) Sindbad” by Reza Haeri will com- were not disclosed. More than 30 men have said they were the Minneapolis bureau of the FBI, said return. pete in the full-length documentary The District Attorney’s office said in a victims of unwanted sexual advances by in a written statement. The Grand Rapids Police Department films section. charge evaluation sheet released on Tuesday Spacey, including 20 people who came The slippers, known as the “traveling sought assistance from the FBI in 2017 over A number of the films have also that the allegation was outside the statue forward during an investigation by Lon- pair”, were stolen from the Judy Garland an extortion plot against the owners of the been picked for the out of compe- of limitations and that prosecution had don’s Old Vic theater, where Spacey was Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, dur- shoes, the Markel Corporation, which led tition programs. been declined. artistic director for 12 years. Reuters has ing a “smash-and-grab” robbery during the to their recovery. The FBI released few The Screen Test or Youth Cin- Spacey could not be reached for com- not independently confirmed any of the overnight hours of Aug. 27-27, 2005 that details about that investigation or where ema will screen “Pine” Mohammad Hormozi and “Starless Dreams” ment. allegations. took less than a minute and left behind they were found in July. by Mehrdad Oskui is an entry to the Dialogue of Cultures section. Spacey became embroiled in contro- Spacey, the Oscar-winning star of only a single sequin. After their recovery, the slippers were “The Chocolate” by Mehdi Heidari will be screened in the Child- versy in 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp “American Beauty”, is one of dozens of They remained missing for the next 13 sent to the Smithsonian National Museum hood Cinema World category. accused him of trying to seduce him in men in the entertainment industry and years despite an exhaustive investigation of American History in Washington, D.C. “Mahin’s Issue, Maliheh’s Problem” by Hossein Tabriz and “Ar- 1986 when Rapp was 14. politics who have been accused of sexual by local law enforcement that included a where conservators studying construction, pachai, a Song of Separation”, a co-production between Iran and He apologized for any inappropriate misconduct in the past 10 months, partly search of abandoned ore pits. materials and wear patterns of the slippers Azerbaijan directed by Ali Abdali, will go on screen in the Russia – conduct with Rapp but has not commented as a result of the #MeToo social media In 2015 an anonymous fan of the film were able to confirm that they were the Islamic World and Persian Carpet Items section. since and has stepped away from public life. movement. offered a $1 million reward for their safe missing pair.